SUPERMARKET bosses are battling a Covid-19 outbreak after at least four staff from a Canvey shop tested positive for the virus.

Morrisons’ bosses confirmed a “small number” of confirmed cases at the store.

It is believed the outbreak occurred in the large store in Northwick Road, Canvey, although bosses were unable to confirm whether it was at this site or the smaller shop on Link Road.

It comes as Hockley Royal British Legion, in White Hart Lane, was forced to shut for 48 hours for deep cleaning after someone who visited the club tested positive for Covid-19.

Norman Smith, leader of Castle Point Council, urged residents to follow the rules after the supermarket outbreak and rise in cases.

He said: “Obviously cases like this are cause for concern and I wish these people well. Castle Point has not done too well this week.

“I would urge people to comply with the rules, I know some people have been questioning why we went into tier two but when you see what is happening this is the best way we can try and slow down the spread.

“We are still not out of the woods yet and hoping being in tier two will slow the increase down.

“I would urge people to avoid going out of their area or socialising out of their area.”

Morrisons confirmed it was taking steps to ensure customers remain safe with a spokesman saying: “A small number of colleagues in our Canvey store have tested positive for coronavirus and we wish them a speedy recovery.

“We have taken steps at the store to ensure it is safe for colleagues and customers.”

A Royal British Legion spokesman said: “Due to someone using the club over the weekend being tested positive for Covid-19, the committee had to make the difficult decision, for the safety of members and staff, to close the club for 48 hours so staff can get tested and we can carry out a deep clean.

“We are looking at the track and trace details and will be contacting any necessary people.”

It comes as it was revealed that no Covid-19 patients in south Essex require a ventilator, with hospital bosses insisting the situation “remains under control”.

Ambulances carrying patients to Basildon – which has a dedicated Covid-19 unit – were forced to divert to Southend and Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford - sparking concerns how the hospital could cope with a winter increase.

The trust told the Echo that while there are patients with Covid-19 in the hospital - who are in separate wards to non-covid patients - none require care from the specialist centre that has been set up.