Sydney workers test positive at Lake Macquarie site.

 

A new Costco warehouse that was set to open this week in the Lake Macquarie area near Newcastle has been declared a coronavirus cluster of concern..

 

The company confirmed one of its Sydney workers had tested positive to COVID-19, while working at the warehouse.

 

The exposure window is from Monday, 16 August to Friday, 20 August.

 

The ABC reported that two other Sydney-based Costco workers have also contracted the virus.

 

Two local cases of COVID-19 have now been linked to the Costco cluster.

 

Health authorities said companies needed to carefully consider where they allowed workers to move.

 

Costco Wholesale said in a statement it took the safety and security of its members and employees seriously.

 

"We had 20 essential staff from our Sydney head office during August assisting in training and opening preparation," the company said. 

 

The company said it had followed the health department's guidelines, including all employees returning a negative COVID test within 72 hours before visiting the warehouse. 

 

"We sincerely apologise to the local community for the effect this has had on the region. We continue to work with NSW Health Department to open when it is safe to do so," Costco said.