SEVERAL members of staff at the Metrocentre's IKEA store are self-isolating after an employee tested positive for Covid-19.

The furniture giant confirmed one worker at the Gateshead branch has had a positive test result, while a number of other employees are also isolating at home after being contacted by track and trace.

A company spokesperson said: An IKEA spokesperson said: "We can confirm that one IKEA Gateshead co-worker has tested positive for COVID-19 and remains at home isolating. Having been contacted by track and trace, a number of colleagues are also at home isolating on full pay.

“The safety of our co-workers and customers remains our primary concern, and we have a number of enhanced safety measures in place. We continue to limit the numbers of customers in store at any one time, with queueing barriers in place and clear social distancing signage. 

"There is a hand sanitiser throughout the store, a one way system at the entrance and exit, and more frequent deep cleaning routines for bags, trolleys, bathrooms, rest areas, equipment and touchscreens.

“For those able to do so, the wearing of face coverings in stores is a legal requirement, for both customers and our co-workers and we ask everyone visiting IKEA to play their part in helping to keep each other safe.”