Fourteen B&Q workers test positive for coronavirus at distribution centre

B&Q has confirmed 14 members of staff have tested positive for coronavirus at a distribution centre in Swindon.

The DIY company said other colleagues at the centre in South Marston were told to self-isolate before testing negative for the bug.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

Those colleagues have now returned to work, B&Q confirmed in a statement.

A spokesperson for the company said: “Our partner Wincanton can confirm that 14 colleagues at our Swindon Distribution Centre have received a positive (Covid-19) test result, and are self-isolating.

“Of the colleagues contacted through the local track and trace procedure, all self isolated immediately and have received a negative test result to confirm it is safe for them to return to work.

“In line with Government’s guidance, Wincanton continues to take all the appropriate measures to ensure the safety of colleagues when on site.

“Wincanton is working closely with the relevant public health authorities, who have praised the social distancing measures in place at the Swindon Distribution Centre.” 

Swindon currently has one of the highest Covid infection rates in the country, leading to fears it could be the next town plunged into lockdown.

Data from Public Health England this week showed Swindon had the 5th highest infection rate with 48.2 cases per 100,000, listing the area as one of concern.

TO CATCH A CHEAT

Furious wife beats and strips her husband’s suspected mistress in the street – but crowd does nothing

Pictured

‘LOVE YOU!’

Martin Compston’s wife says their marriage would’ve been illegal 53-years-ago

PREGNANCY PANIC

The girl I love is mad at me for forgetting to use a condom

Revealed

Moore than I could have hoped for

Sun’s Jane Moore splashes out £3,800 on face treatments

TOO FAR?

Comedian Katherine Ryan upsets fans after lying about having botched bum lift to promote TV show

CLICK BAIT

Boy, 6, used dad’s laptop to browse monster trucks on eBay and blew £19k on one

Although that is the highest in the south of England, the local council insisted the outbreak is under control, and that enforcement of lockdown measures would be a “last resort”.

It comes after a Royal Mail delivery office was forced to close in Swindon last month as several workers tested positive for Covid-19.

Hundreds of workers were sent home as a deep clean was carried out and thousands across six postcode areas were left without their post.

2