A COATBRIDGE pub is one of the locations with "links" to the call centre enduring a coronavirus outbreak.
There are currently 15 confirmed cases of Covid-19 at the Sitel site in Eurocentral – with another five “arising from linked contracts”.
All Sitel staff have been advised to isolate for 14 days and take a Covid-19 test, with 393 test results from employees reported so far.
And now Owen's Bar in Coatbridge has been identified among a number of secondary locations with links to the call centre.
NHS Lanarkshire’s public health team and North Lanarkshire Council are working with all affected premises to ensure appropriate cleaning and safety measures are taken forward, as well as identifying any close contacts in line with Test and Protect guidelines.
With the exception of identified close contacts, people who have attended Owen’s Bar, along with The Railway Tavern and Merlin’s Bar in Motherwell, Costa at the Bell Quadrant in Carfin and END clothing store in Glasgow, are not being asked to isolate, but to be vigilant about symptoms and, if they develop any, to immediately isolate and book a test.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “Where clusters of cases develop we must find them and act quickly to prevent further spread.
“Public health teams in Lanarkshire have responded swiftly to track the spread of the virus and identify any close contacts of the Sitel employees.
“At this point it is considered that there is a low risk of transmission for people who have attended these locations and have not been in close contact with someone who has tested positive.
“However, individuals who have been in these locations should be extra vigilant, ensure they follow all public health advice, and if they have any symptoms of Covid-19 should isolate and book a test on the NHS website.”
Chief Medical Officer Gregor Smith added: “We would like to thank the premises concerned for their co-operation and for their commitment to following national guidance to ensure the safety of their staff and customers.
“The incident management team believe the risk to the public of Covid-19 is low given staff in these locations were wearing appropriate PPE. However, this is an ongoing process and they will continue to work with any premises as and when further cases develop.
“As always, please follow national guidance on the NHS Inform website if you have been in contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19 or develop symptoms.”
