MEMBERS of staff at two companies in west Wiltshire have tested positive for the Covid-19 coronavirus, forcing one business to start the Christmas holidays early.

At egg co-operative Stonegate Farmers in Lacock, the company confirmed that seven of its 160-plus employees at its factory in Corsham Road have tested positive for the Covid-19 coronavirus and eight are having to self-isolate.

In a statement, Public Health England South West and Wiltshire Council said: “We are aware of seven confirmed cases of Covid-19 in staff working at Stonegate Farmers in Lacock. All staff members are currently well.

“Eight staff members have been identified as close contacts of the positive cases and have already been contacted and told to self-isolate.

“Contacts of a confirmed case should get tested if they go on to develop symptoms. Even if people test negative, they must still self-isolate for 10 days.”

Steven Morse, Stonegate Farmers’ director of human resources, said: “Our colleagues’ and their families’ safety is our highest priority and Stonegate will continue to work closely with the government advisory bodies to ensure we continue reducing the risk of Covid-19.”

At the Wessex Auction Rooms just off Junction 17 of the M4 motorway at Chippenham, several members of staff tested positive for the virus on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, forcing the company to close its doors for the rest of this week and possibly until January 4.

In a message on the company’s answerphone, Wessex Auction Rooms said: “Unfortunately, due to multiple members of staff returning positive Covid-19 results on Sunday and Monday we have had to take the decision to temporarily close the doors for the safety of our staff and customers.

“Unfortunately, we will be unable to offer collections, drop-offs or shipping of items during this closure. We thank you for your patience and understanding on this matter.

“Please continue to check our website for further updates and hopefully we will see all of our staff and customers very soon.”

In order to ensure the safety of its customers and staff, the company said the auction rooms would remain closed for the rest of this week and most likely until January 4.

Customers wanting to collect items were urged not to travel to the auction rooms at Westbrook Farm, Draycot Cerne, before checking to see whether they are open.

The company added: “Unfortunately, this situation will cause significant delays for anyone who requires shipping of lots.”

It recommends contacting some of its shipping companies in Chippenham to arrange scheduled collections and priority shipping once Wessex Auction Rooms is able to give them access.

It is not yet known whether the positive cases will affect the sale of toys planned for Friday, January 8, or a vinyl records and music memorabilia sale scheduled for January 15.

Public Health England South West said all staff at Stonegate Farmers are routinely tested by the company at the site.

It added: “Since identifying the confirmed case, all staff on site were tested again as a further precautionary measure. Investigations, alongside further routine testing procedures, are ongoing.”

Mike Wade, deputy director of health protection for PHE South West, said: “We are working with Stonegate Farmers, Wiltshire Council and NHS partners to provide public health advice and help stop the spread of the virus.

“Businesses have been asked to take certain measures to help reduce the spread of Covid-19, including ensuring staff can maintain social distancing wherever possible and are able to regularly wash their hands for 20 seconds with soap and water, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.

“Stonegate Farmers has been working with advisors on appropriate public health measures to ensure it is safe.

“If anyone does develop symptoms, which include a new continuous cough, high temperature or loss or change to their sense of taste or smell, they should self-isolate straight away.”