Arndale on virus alert
Deep clean for store after staff member tests Covid positive Retail employee was working at mall day before diagnosis
A MEMBER of staff at a store inside Manchester Arndale shopping centre has tested positive for coronavirus.
The worker was diagnosed on Wednesday - he had been working at the mall the day before.
The shop concerned, which has not been identified, has undergone a deep clean and fellow staff are being tested.
Public areas around the mall through which the staff member may have passed have also been cleaned, according to Arndale bosses.
The member of staff concerned is now isolating and workers who are able to work from home are being urged to do so.
The shopping centre, which has more than 200 stores, remains open.
Staff were alerted to the positive test in an internal message on Friday night.
David Allinson, Manchester Arndale centre director, said: “We are aware of the case of Covid-19 at one of our stores and have worked closely with the team to help them deliver their processes in line with government guidelines to protect customers and staff.
“As part of their protocol, the store closed temporarily to undergo a deep clean and all of the staff are being tested through the official NHS test and trace system. We have informed our occupiers and staff separately to reassure them of the correct and swift delivery of our own procedures throughout this difficult time.”
An internal message to staff, titled ‘CONFIRMED CORONAVIRUS CASE IN THE SHOPPING CENTRE,’ states: “The health and wellbeing of our occupiers is always a key priority.”
The message, written by Mr Allinson, adds: “Please be assured the retailer concerned has now sanitised their working area. We have ensured that all common areas, touch points and surfaces within any immediate area which were potentially in contact with the person including mall areas, passenger lifts, toilets and back of house areas, have also been sanitised in accordance with PHE and WHO guidelines.
“As an added precaution, we are encouraging all staff members who are able to work from home to do so with immediate effect until further notice, in line with recent Government instructions.
“Please remain vigilant during this period, seek immediate medical attention if you feel unwell and avoid crowds if possible. As always, employee health and welfare is a key priority. We are constantly monitoring the situation and will provide timely updates.”