A NORTH-EAST branch of Currys PC World has closed after three of its staff members tested positive for Covid-19 and further staff were told to self-isolate.

The store in the Silverlink Retail Park in Wallsend, near North Shields, was closed today after the positive tests emerged.

Staff members reported that the store had opened for trade on Friday as normal but the decision was later taken to close by management.

The Northern Echo understands that a further six of its staff members at the store have also been asked to self-isolate.

A spokesperson for Currys PC World said it was following Government guidelines on Covid-19 measures and confirmed the positive tests.

They said: “There is no greater concern for us than the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues. We have closely followed the government’s ‘working safely during Coronavirus’ guidance throughout the pandemic and have put extensive hygiene and social distancing measures in place to make our sites Covid-secure.

“Unfortunately, three colleagues in our North Shields store have tested positive for Covid-19, thankfully all of whom are doing well.

"As soon as we were made aware, our store was temporarily closed for ‘fogging’, and we worked quickly to instigate our internal track and trace process.

"As a result, a small number of additional colleagues have been asked to self-isolate as a precaution.

“Public Health England has been informed, and we will continue to be vigilant and support our colleagues through what we know is a difficult time.”