Sainsbury's warehouse in Northampton hit by Covid-19 outbreak

The Sainsbury's warehouse in Prologis Park has been hit by an outbreak of coronavirus - with approximately three per cent of its 450 to 500-strong workforce testing positive, according to a Sainsbury's spokeswoman.

The company spokeswoman said yesterday (Friday): “Safety is our highest priority and we continue to have a range of measures in place in all of our Sainsbury’s and Argos distribution centres to keep our colleagues safe.

"A small number of colleagues have tested positive at our Pineham depot and are self-isolating at home. We continue to support test and trace and remain in close contact with them. We have colleagues self-isolating as a precaution, in line with government guidance.”

The spokeswoman added that the infections are "not exceptional compared to the general rate of infection in the local population".

An outbreak is defined by the government as more than two cases linked by time and place within last 28 days.