A COVID outbreak has hit an Asda store in Southend, with 20 staff testing positive and a further 90 self-isolating, shop staff have claimed.

Management at the Shoebury store, on North Shoebury Road, have addressed the rumours circulating on social media, with some claiming more than 100 members of staff had tested positive.

Asda bosses have insisted that the social media post from a member of staff was in correct, but has refused to provide the Echo with any further information on the scale of the Covid outbreak on site.

However a staff member has issued a statement on social media. It reads: "Currently the store has approximately 90 staff members either isolating due to track n trace alerts or shielding.

"There are currently 20 confirmed cases of Covid-19. Those staff are obviously isolating.

"Currently the store is operating a maximum of 300 people inside the store (including staff).

"A queueing system may operate during busier times."

The staff also claimed discussions are underway with Southend Council to have a rapid Covid test site set up in the Asda Car Park.

It is understood this will be run by Southend Council.

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The staff also urged customers to stay apart while inside the store. They added:

"To minimise queuing and waiting as much as possible.

"Please shop considerately in as small a group as possible (and if possible one person one trolley or basket.

"Please wear a mask/face covering correctly at all times when inside the store.

"Please keep your distance wherever possible.

"Please avoid lingering unnecessarily in the store as this will delay any queuing customers waiting to enter the store.

"The store is in constant contact with head office/regional office and keeping upto date with the necessary authorities.

"Our store is trying to make everyone feel safe. Please be respectful to each other."

A spokesman from Asda, said: "We would never disclose information about the medical conditions of our colleagues as this information is private. The information quoted in this article was sourced from a Facebook post and is factually inaccurate.

"It did not come from the management team at Shoebury as has been incorrectly reported."