SHOPPERS who have visited a Thurrock Co-op store this month have been urged to get a coronavirus test after a member of staff tested positive for the virus.

The outbreak at The Sorrells store, which is based in Corringham, comes after the member of staff tested positive earlier this month.

A member of staff, who wished to remain anonymous, has told how the rest of the team were forced to be tested for Covid after the news broke, but that all other members thankfully received a negative result.

Shane Ralph, chair of Thurrock Borough Council's health and wellbeing overview and scrutiny, has now urged those who may have shopped at the store in recent weeks to get tested immediately- with or without symptoms.

Mr Ralph, said: "We have been informed that a member of staff at the Co-Op in Sorrels, 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 August 14 and August 24 and feel you could be at risk you should get a Covid test to be proactive in containing any potential spread of the virus."

Barry Wood, CEO of the Chelmsford Star Co-Operative Society Ltd, said: "In response to reports on social media, the society can confirm that a colleague working in it's convenience store on The Sorrells has recently tested positive for the Covid-19 virus.

"We have been liaising with Thurrock Council Environmental Health Officers in relation to the actions that have needed to be taken to ensure the safety of colleagues and customers.

"NHS Test and Trace have spoken to the member of staff concerned and the society believes all colleagues that have been in contact with the member of staff have been contacted and are now self-isolating.

"The store has been now thoroughly cleaned and will re-open on Friday morning.

"It is important to note that all members of staff and customers are required to follow the guidelines on wearing face coverings while in store and to practice social distancing."