Multiple workers who have been extending Edinburgh's tramline to Newhaven during the pandemic have now tested positive for coronavirus.
Seven workers in total from the Trams to Newhaven project site have tested positive for the bug, while ten people in total have been confirmed to be isolating after coming into contact with the covid-19 outbreak.
It comes as the second stage of works on Ocean Drive, near the Ocean Terminal shopping centre, got underway at the start of the year. This phase of the project is expected to be completed by the autumn of this year.
Edinburgh City Council say 'many of the workers involved were contracted in to perform a specialist role and so it won't affect the project long-term.'
A spokesperson for the council said in a statement: “Seven people working on the Trams to Newhaven project have tested positive for COVID19, each through transmission off-site.
"These people are now self-isolating as per the guidance and we have taken swift action to notify any other staff who they have interacted with to make sure they observe self-isolation rules.
“The safety of staff and the public is of utmost importance and we have strict physical distancing and hygiene measures on-site to ensure this.”
The project recently announced that Manderston Street in Leith would close down for seven weeks due to work on the expansion, with a statement saying: "Manderston Street will close from today at its Leith Walk junction for utility diversion for approx seven weeks.
"Localised diversions and parking restrictions will be in place with pedestrian access being maintained. View traffic arrangements."
