TWO staff members at the West Midlands Police custody suite in Oldbury have tested positive for coronavirus.

The pair are now self-isolating for ten days while West Midlands Police, Sandwell Council and Public Health England contact any staff members who may have had contact with the two individuals.

No members of the public detained in the block were assessed to have had significant contact with the infected individuals, police said.

The entire custody block will be deep cleaned as an extra precaution alongside the existing cleaning regime.

Superintendent Martin Hurcomb from West Midlands Police, said: “Today, we were made aware that two members of our custody staff at Oldbury, had tested positive for COVID-19.

“West Midlands Police has worked in partnership with the Local Authority and Public Health England to ensure that those who may have been in close contact with the staff who have the virus are notified.

“We understand the anxiety and impact this virus has had and continues to have on people and assure you we have done everything necessary to minimise the risk.”

It comes after residents in Sandwell were last week told not to visit others inside their homes and for vulnerable people to continue to shield following a sharp rise in cases in the borough.

Dr Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health for Sandwell, said: “West Midlands Police sought public health advice in good time and all appropriate preventative actions have been taken. Their quick response will have served to minimise the risk of onward infection.”

Caryn Cox, consultant for communicable disease control with PHE Midlands, added: “We are working closely with the local authority and West Midlands Police to ensure that all individuals who may have had significant contact with the two staff members are isolating for 14 days, as per national guidance.

“West Midlands Police already has a rigorous cleaning regime in place to reduce risk of spreading COVID-19 in its premises, however we have advised that as an extra precaution, they perform an extra thorough clean of the entire custody block.”