Fourteen confirmed Covid-19 cases at test and trace centre

Fourteen cases of coronavirus have been confirmed at a test and trace centre in North Lanarkshire.

It was revealed on Monday that a cluster of people connected to the NHS England contact centre in Bellshill tested positive for the virus.

NHS Lanarkshire released an update on Tuesday confirming 14 cases with a further five positive tests from contacts linked to the site.

The health-board, who are working closely with Sitel staff and management, have assured the public that measures have been brought in to suppress the outbreak.

Dr David Cromie, said: “Our public health team, alongside North Lanarkshire Council, continues to work closely with the employer Sitel and staff in the building who have been encouraged to have tests carried out.

“NHS Lanarkshire’s incident management team has been meeting regularly to investigate.”

He added: “A total of 14 positive cases associated with Sitel’s premises have been identified to date, with an additional five cases arising from linked contacts.

“We are taking all of the necessary steps to identify those who may have been in contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19 and to mitigate the risk of onward transmission to others.

“We would like to reassure the local community that appropriate measures are being implemented.”