Coronavirus: Joint statement regarding coronavirus cases at Nisa Local in Much Wenlock

Joint statement from Shropshire Council and Nisa Local in Much Wenlock

Shropshire Council is working with Nisa Local in Much Wenlock after a small number of staff tested positive for COVID-19.

Nisa has undertaken COVID-19-secure measures in line with both Government and Shropshire Council local guidelines. Everyone who has tested positive must self-isolate for 10 days. As a precaution, one additional member of staff who was a close contact is also being asked to self-isolate.

Measures taken by the supermarket to reduce the spread include:

• Staff wearing face masks and remaining at least 1 metre (plus) apart from other staff and customers.
• Screens in place between staff on the tills and customers.
• There are also screens in place around the bakery.
• Hand sanitizer stations throughout the store for customers and staff.
• Regular cleaning.
• There is a Test and Trace QR code poster available for customers to use.

Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said:

“We want to reassure residents in Much Wenlock that the risk of infection is very low. We are satisfied that the management have taken all the necessary precautions to limit the spread of the virus.

“At this stage in the pandemic we expect outbreaks, as the virus continues to circulate within communities locally and nationally. So far, we have no further evidence of any community transmissions.

“Protecting the health of our population remains a priority, and at this time we would also like to remind everyone to follow social distancing advice to reduce their social interaction with other people.

“Good hand hygiene remains the best protection against the virus, including washing your hands more regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

“If you are showing coronavirus symptoms, or if you or any of your household are self-isolating, for example if you have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace, you should stay at home – this is critical to staying safe and saving lives.”

John Corbo, Owner of Nisa Local in Much Wenlock, said:

“The safety of both our staff and customers is of paramount importance. We are confident that our facilities have solid safety measures in place and that our staff are acting responsibly.

“We have worked extremely hard to make our store COVID-19-secure to keep everyone safe. A deep clean of the store is taking place on Saturday.

“We want to reassure members of the local community that we are doing everything possible to control any spread of the virus.

“We continue to work closely with Shropshire Council, and we will continue to support the staff members who have been affected.

“I would also like to thank our loyal customers for their continued support during the pandemic.

David Turner, local Shropshire Councillor for Much Wenlock, said:

“Understandably this is an anxious time for our community, but I would like to reassure them that everything is being done to halt the spread of the virus.

“We are seeing cases in every area of Shropshire, and local outbreaks like this are not unexpected during a pandemic.

“Our priority is to protect the health and wellbeing of our community. I’ve been contact with local residents to answer any questions and reassure them that the risk to the general public is low.

“I will continue to work with Shropshire Council to provide up to date advice and support to our local community, to help prevent further spread of coronavirus.

“I would like to thank members of the community for their own ongoing support and co-operation.”

Step Up and help us stop the spread of coronavirus:

• Work from home if you can
• Limit contact with other people
• Keep your distance from people not in your household bubble (at least 2 metres apart where possible)
• Stick to a maximum group of 6 people when meeting socially – indoors or outdoors
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms
• Wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will meet people you do not normally meet.
• Anyone who has any symptoms should book a test and not leave home for at least 10 days. Those living in households should self-isolate for 14 days if they or any members of the household receive a positive test.
• You can book a test by calling 119 or click here

Download ‘Step Up Shropshire’ posters here.

For local advice and support during the pandemic (especially if you are self-isolating), call Shropshire Council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 0345 678 9028 (lines open on the weekend on Saturday from 9am-4pm and Sunday 9am-12pm) or visit our website at www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus.