Coronavirus case confirmed at Blackpool Tesco as staff enter self-isolation

The supermarket said the staff member, who works at the Clifton Retail Park store, has tested positive and is now is self-isolation.

Tesco said the Government's Test and Trace system has been used to alert those who might be at risk after coming into contact with the infected staff member.

It is understood that a number of colleagues who work closely with the person have been forced to quarantine themselves for 14 days, but the store did not say exactly how many staff members have been affected.

The store has also declined to say exactly when the employee tested positive, but did say it was "recently".

A Tesco spokesman said: “A colleague at our Blackpool Clifton Extra recently tested positive for Covid-19 and is self-isolating. Their close contacts have been informed.

"The safety of our colleagues, customers and suppliers remains our number one priority and we are following all Government guidance and taking the relevant precautions."

Tesco has moved to reassure shoppers at its Blackpool Extra store that safety measures are in place to protect them.

The spokesman added: "We have extensive measures across all of our stores to help keep everyone safe, including hand sanitiser around the store, protective screens at every checkout, social distancing signage and regular deep cleaning."