Outbreak of coronavirus confirmed at Wakefield car dealership as staff test positive

An outbreak was confirmed. Picture by Google.

Wakefield Council said it was working closely with Public Health England and the HSE to manage a small outbreak at Evans Halshaw car dealership on Doncaster Road.

As of today, eight members of the workforce have tested positive andmeasures, including additional cleaning, have been put in place to help limit the spread of the virus.

All staff affected, and their close contacts, are now self-isolating

Anna Hartley, Wakefield Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “We can confirm that eight cases of Covid-19 have been found at Evans Halshaw in Wakefield.

“The business is working closely with us, alongside Public Health England and the HSE, and they have acted quickly to put effective measures in place to help limit any further potential spread.

“Anyone who visited Evans Halshaw and is considered to be a contact will be contacted by NHS Track and Trace.

“Although we believe the risk to the local community to be low, cases are on the rise in the district. So we urge everyone to please continue to follow Government guidance, including regular handwashing, wearing a face covering and social distancing, to help keep yourself and others safe.”

The business remains open with Covid-secure measures in place.

Gary Armstrong, Evans Halshaw Managing Director, said: “The health and wellbeing of our associates is our absolute priority, and we have done everything we can throughout the pandemic to protect our teams.

“Over the last week, we have seen a small number of our associates test positive for Covid-19, reflective of an increase in cases in the wider area. They are currently self-isolating in accordance with Government guidelines and will not return to work for at least 14 days.

“Following consultation and full inspection of our Covid-19 preventative measures with local authorities, the site will remain open for customer sales and service. As we have done throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we are working in partnership with Wakefield Council, Public Health England and the HSE to ensure we continue to operate a safe environment for our customers and associates”.

Anna Hartley added: “If you are displaying symptoms, even if they are very mild, act now and get tested as soon as possible to avoid spreading to others who may experience far more severe symptoms.”

Anyone displaying coronavirus symptoms – of a new continuous cough, high temperature or loss of taste or smell - is urged to get a test by accessing local testing or by visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus or calling 119.

The local testing service is available from Monday to Friday and bookings for appointments can be made at www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 01924 224497. Or email the person’s name and contact details to [email protected] so the booking team can get in touch.

The local testing service will prioritise essential workers and school children in order to keep essential services running and support schools across the district to remain open.

Those without symptoms (asymptomatic) should not be seeking a test unless they have been advised to do so by a health professional, Public Health England or the Council’s public health teams – it could take a test away from someone who really needs it.

Residents can find up to date information on the Council's dedicated coronavirus information web page at http://www.wakefield.gov.uk/stayingsafe