Store is linked to coronavirus cases

A small number of Covid-19 cases have been linked to the Asda Hamilton store.

The NHS confirmed the situation and a tracing exercise is now being carried out for anyone who has had contact with those who have returned a positive result.

Dr Martin Donaghy, NHS Lanarkshire consultant in public health, confirmed the cluster and said: “NHS Lanarkshire is currently conducting a contact tracing exercise for anyone who has had contact with a small number of cases who have tested positive for Coronavirus (Covid-19) infection.

“The cases and their contacts have been identified and are currently selfisolating and the risk to the wider community has been assessed and is low.

“To respect and maintain patient confidentiality it is not possible to release any further information at this time.

“We would like to remind people of the symptoms of Covid-19 – new continuous cough, high temperature and/or loss of taste and smell.

“Anyone who develops any of these symptoms should book a test and self-isolate immediately.”

Asda recently introduced new initiatives to supplement the comprehensive safety measures already in place.

On their website it states “safety initiatives are altered and updated in line with the Government guidance to ensure Asda stores are as safe as possible for both our colleagues and our customers”.

A spokesperson for Asda Hamilton said: “We would never comment on individual colleague circumstances, but the safety of both our colleagues and customers has been our key priority throughout the pandemic.

“This is why we have extensive measures in place such as protective screens, social distancing signage and numerous hand sanitiser stations across all our stores.

“Our customers can res t assured that we continue to follow government guidance by asking any colleagues with coronavirus symptoms to immediately selfisolate and are supporting them by providing full pay during the isolation period.”