A number of positive coronavirus cases have been linked to Lyons Seafood in Warminster.

Staff members have been identified as close contacts of the positive cases and have already been contacted and told to self-isolate by health teams.

Contacts of a confirmed case have been urged to get tested if they go on to develop symptoms.

Even if people test negative, they have still been told to self-isolate for 10 days. 

Jennifer Taylor, Consultant in Health Protection for Public Health England South West, explained that Lyons Seafood, Wiltshire Council and the NHS partners are working together to combat the spread of the cases.

She said: “Businesses have been asked to take certain measures to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, including ensuring staff can maintain social distancing wherever possible and are able to regularly wash their hands for 20 seconds with soap and water, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.

“Lyons Seafood has been working with advisors on appropriate public health measures to ensure it is safe for staff.  However, if anyone does develop symptoms, which include a new continuous cough, high temperature or loss or change to their sense of taste or smell, they should self-isolate straight away.”

All staff are routinely tested by the company at the Warminster site and since identifying the confirmed cases, all staff on site were tested again as a further precautionary measure. Investigations, alongside further routine testing procedures, are ongoing.

Mark Newton, managing director of Lyons Seafood, said: “The safety of our colleagues and of their families is our highest priority and Lyons Seafood will continue to work closely with the statutory bodies to ensure we continue reducing the risk of Covid-19.”

Kate Blackburn, Director of Public Health for Wiltshire, has also released the following statement.

She said: “This precautionary action is very important so we can keep the risk of any transmission within the employee community as low as possible. We will continue to support Lyons Seafood so their high standard of COVID-19 measures are maintained.  

“It is a legal requirement that anyone asked to self-isolate should follow the government information on this and stay at home. If they don’t have symptoms, they do not need to get a test. However, if a member of their household has symptoms and takes a test then they should self-isolate.

“We ask that people regularly wash hands, maintain social distancing and wear a face covering where appropriate.”

The Wiltshire Times has asked for information on the number of positive cases linked to the outbreak at Lyons Seafood.