SEVERAL cases of coronavirus infections have been confirmed at EG Group's head office.

The concerns were first raised when a member of the public, who who wishes to remain anonymous, claimed that over the past two weeks various members of staff tested positive for the virus at the company's Blackburn headquarters.

As a result the company, owned by Blackburn-born Mohsin and Zuber Issa, was visited by public health officials on May 26 who told them they must make sure the organisation keeps to government guidelines, while EG Group has acknowledged that a number of cases were identified over the last week.

A spokesperson for EG Group said: “Through our robust testing regime at our head office in Blackburn, we have identified a small number of positive Covid-19 cases over the last week.

"As they have been throughout the pandemic, our group safety team are continuing to work closely with Public Health England and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Environmental Health Team to respond appropriately.

"All employees who have tested positive, along with any colleagues they have been in close contact with, have been asked to return home immediately and self-isolate in accordance with government guidance."

This marks the second time the company headquarters has been hit by the virus since the start of the pandemic.

In June 2020, EG Group's previous head office, known as Euro House, was forced to close after five members of staff tested positive.

The site was closed on June 8, with all staff being required to work from home.

This was despite the fact that EG Group had already invested around a million pounds in PPE measures and remote working technologies before the outbreak.

Now, almost exactly a year on following the confirmation of new cases, the firm has said it will continue operating out of its Haslingden Road office but has pledged to adhere to government guidelines as they currently stand.

According to the company, lateral flow testing has been in place at the head office in Blackburn for around five months, with mandatory testing introduced last week.

The Blackburn company says this will remain the case for the foreseeable future, while compulsory PCR testing has now also been introduced.

The spokesperson said: "EG Group’s number one priority is the safety and wellbeing of our employees and we will continue to adhere with all government and PHE guidance.”

Public Health England has not commented on this case, but has confirmed that it is the responsibility of local authorities' public health team to visit business premises.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has been approached for comment.