Concern after staff at huge Sheffield wholesale warehouse test positive for Covid-19

Cleaning crews were called in to Booker on Parkway Avenue, between Darnall and Attercliffe, last night after two members of staff tested positive for coronavirus.

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Booker stresses that Public Health Guidelines are being followed, but some members of staff have spoken of their concerns at the potential for the virus to spread among colleagues and to shops which buy goods from the wholesaler.

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In a statement, Booker said: “The safety of our colleagues, customers and suppliers is our number one priority.

“We are following Public Health England advice and are taking all relevant precautions to ensure the safety of everyone.”One concerned worker said: “The company did not tell staff anything, the first they knew was when they arrived at work yesterday to see cleaners there.

“Some workers felt it was unsafe to go in that night, so they did not work and will probably not get paid but health has to come first.

“Covid can remain on hard surfaces for 72 hours, so staff feel that the premises should have been closed for 72 hours and then given a deep clean.

“The worry is that shops across Sheffield buy their stock here, so the potential for the spread of this is very worrying.”

NHS England figures released yesterday revealed that 284 hospital patients who tested positive for Covid-19 have died in Sheffield during the coronavirus pandemic.

The youngest was 13 days old.