ASDA has denied rumours that its Weymouth supermarket has experienced an outbreak of coronavirus, amid widespread speculation that up to 30 members of staff had been sent home and were self-isolating.
The store, based on Newstead Road, remains open during the third national lockdown as shoppers continue to purchase their essential items.
Rumours on social media circulated that there had been an ‘outbreak’ of coronavirus cases at the supermarket with ’20 to 30 staff members’ allegedly sent home.
Asda is aware of the social media rumours surrounding its supermarket, but stated they ‘simply aren’t true’ and insisted there is no outbreak of coronavirus at the store.
A store spokesman confirmed there had been one recent positive test of Covid-19 at its store but said ‘there is by no means a wider issue at the store’.
Those who came into contact with the person have been informed and are self-isolating. Public Health Dorset said nobody else needs to take action if they have not been contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
A statement from Asda reads: “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 be rest assured that we continue to follow government guidance by asking any colleagues with coronavirus symptoms to immediately self-isolate and are supporting them by providing full pay during the isolation period.”
Covid measures remain in place at the store including rules that customers must wear face coverings unless they are medically exempt and a limit on the number of customers inside the store at one time. Shoppers are also asked to stay two metres apart and should pay by bank card if possible.
Signage reminding customers of these rules are in place in and around the supermarket’s entrance.
Public Health Dorset also confirmed the single case of coronavirus at the store and stated any close contacts of the person who tested positive have been notified and are currently self-isolating.
Sam Crowe, director of Public Health for Dorset and BCP Councils said: “We are aware of a positive case of Covid-19 at the Asda store in Weymouth. All close contacts have been notified and are self-isolating as directed.
“If you have not been contacted by NHS Test and Trace you do not need to take any action. If you experience symptoms of Covid-19 then you should self-isolate and book a test immediately via gov.uk/book-coronavirus-test or call 119.
“Dorset residents like all the rest of the country are subject to a national lockdown. You can only leave the house for essential reasons which includes going out for essential shopping or for medical reasons.
“One in three people do not have any symptoms and could pass on Covid-19 without knowing. It is vital everyone respects social distancing rules, avoid contact with people outside of their household, wear a face covering and wash hands regularly.
“By following the rules, we can reduce the risk of transmission and reduce our case numbers.”
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