A MILFORD HAVEN chip shop remained open while its owner waited for the outcome of a test for Covid-19.
When the result was returned, it was positive, and the chip shop closed.
Marble Hall Chippy’s management subsequently defended their decision to stay open while waiting for the test result.
Craig Thomas, whose daughter works at the shop, took to Facebook on Tuesday night (Dec 22) and accused management of disregarding staff and customers’ health and safety. His post attracted over 400 shares, and was read by thousands of locals.
Mr Thomas wrote: “I’m absolutely gutted as I have young children and now like the rest of the staff will have our Christmas ruined.” He alleged the chip shop’s owners put profit before welfare and claimed to have proof that was the case.
Craig Thomas said he had spoken to the police and told to contact the council with his concerns.
Marble Hall Chip Shop posted a response on its official Facebook page.
“We are aware of the Facebook post and comments being made against us here in Marble Hall Chippy.
“We just inform everybody that yesterday all of our staff were told about a family member [who’d] contracted the coronavirus. All the staff were made aware of what was going on and were given the opportunity to isolate for their families which some staff members did, and other members were happy enough to keep working.
“Throughout these terrible times, we have tried our best to keep up with the latest rules and regulations put in place by the government.
“Our staff and customers have been our utmost concern to make sure that our practices were safe.
“We are now closed for up to 10 days whilst we deal with the new threat of COVID and all the rules we need to abide by.”
Welsh Government rules state people living in households with someone who shows symptoms that may be caused by COVID-19 or someone who has received a positive test result for COVID-19 must remain in self-isolation for ten days.
The guidance also applies if you live with others, or are part of an extended household and someone has COVID-19 symptoms
The person with symptoms must self-isolate for at least 10 days and arrange a COVID-19 test straight away. All other household members and extended household members must begin to self-isolate and not leave their home for 10 days.
Employers can be fined up to £10,000 if they knowingly ask or encourage a worker or employee who needs to self-isolate to come to the workplace.
An individual can be fined if they attend work when they should be self-isolating.
The Herald has asked both the police and the council to comment.
