A NUMBER of frontline staff are unable to work after testing positive for coronavirus, Colchester Council has confirmed.

The council says "several" of its frontline employees in key services are self-isolating at home after testing positive for Covid-19.

Other staff members who have been in contact with them are also self-isolating and awaiting test results.

The authority said staff are being redeployed from other areas to fill gaps in the workforce so frontline services can still be delivered.

A spokesman for Colchester Council said: "Several frontline staff who have tested positive for Covid are currently unable to work, as they are self-isolating in line with government advice.

"The small number of people who they have been in close contact with are undertaking tests and also self-isolating.

“Across the council as a whole, staff are being redeployed from other services to fill any gaps in the workforce, which currently enables us to maintain delivery of critical frontline services.

“We continue to monitor the developing situation and have stringent measures in place to protect and keep staff, residents and our communities safe.

“In addition, we would ask residents to continue to take precautionary measures to protect themselves and our frontline staff.

"If you are unwell with Covid symptoms, please place your personal waste into a bag, placed inside another bag, which is then securely tied or sealed.

"Please store personal waste for at least 72 hours, before putting it in your usual household waste bin.”