AN alert has been raised this evening after a member of staff at the Chelmsford Star Co-op store on the Sorrells in Corringham has been diagnosed as having contracted Covid-19.

The news has prompted local ward councillor Shane Ralph, backed by Thurrock Council's portfolio holder for health, Cllr Allen Mayes, to issue a message to local residents.

Cllr Ralph says: "We have been informed that a member of staff at the Co-op in Sorrells, Corringham has tested positive for Covid-19 and has come into contact with a number of residents.

"Track and trace has been alerted and a number of people have been contacted.

"However, due to the risk, we would suggest that anyone with or without Covid symptoms who visited the shop between 14th and 24th August and feels they could be at risk should get a Covid test to be proactive in containing any potential spread of the virus.

Cllr Mayes added: "We all need to stay alert for the symptoms of coronavirus:

• a high temperature,
• a new continuous cough
• a loss or change to our sense of taste and smell

"If anyone feels any of these symptoms they should go home, book a test by calling 119 or visiting https://bit.ly/2YAUAkg and self-isolate for 10 days.

Anyone living with someone who has symptoms will need to self-isolate for 14 days. More advice on self-isolation can be found here.

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The store was closed earlier in the week for a 'deep clean'.