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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Entertainment
Imogen McGuckin

Bristol Samsung store closes early as staff told to self-isolate amid 'pingdemic'

The Samsung Experience store in Bristol's Cabot Circus closed early this week after some staff members were told to self-isolate.

A notice on the door of the shop advised customers that the revised opening hours would be 10am-4pm daily, instead of 9am-8pm, as listed on the centre's website.

The sign did not say when the shop would return to its normal hours.

READ MORE: Huge BT development in Bristol - new images released

It comes amid what has been called a "pingdemic", as the NHS Covid-19 App notifies people who have been in close contact with an infected person that they must self-isolate.

Samsung confirmed that the change in opening times was due to staff self-isolating in line with government guidance.

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A spokesman said: "The Samsung Experience Store in Bristol is currently operating on revised opening hours, due to members of the team being advised to self-isolate following government guidance.

"The safety of our staff and customers is of the upmost importance, and we appreciate our customers for their understanding.

"Should anyone require assistance outside of opening hours, please contact: 0333 344 1916."

Other shops have been forced to closed temporarily as their staff go into isolation, and the app has been criticised by members of an already "fragile" hospitality sector.

Yesterday (Friday, August 6) the Bristol region passed the landmark figure of 100,000 cases of coronavirus recorded since the start of the pandemic and two more deaths were confirmed.

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