COUNCIL staff were sent into isolation after a member of the team tested positive for coronavirus prompting a spell of confusion at an East End depot.

Earlier this month, a worker from the Baltic Street cleansing depot received a positive test which resulted in a “discussion” about the correct isolation protocol following the recent change to government guidelines.

In the end, the employee and three other staff they had come into contact with were sent home to isolate on September 6.

It’s not clear when the positive result was received by the worker, however, a council spokesperson confirmed the individual was “sent home” by bosses at the depot.

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It comes after a policy was introduced by the Scottish Government which allows close contacts of a person with Covid-19 to not self-isolate pending a negative PCR test result if they have been double vaccinated.

Adult contacts would be released from isolation if the test confirmed they were not infected with the virus, while those who have not had both doses of a vaccine administered must isolate at home for a 10-day period.

The confusion has prompted anger from fellow council staff who have since been called in to the depot to cover absences, which, the council says, are not coronavirus related.

A worker, who asked not to be named, said: “They were working and put other workers at risk.

“Park workers were sent to assist thus, putting them at risk ... park workers are worried about risks to their health.”

GMB union, which represents the workers, confirmed it was aware of the situation and was working with Glasgow City Council management to ensure proper protocols were followed.

A council spokesperson said: “A member of staff based at the Baltic Street depot tested positive for Covid-19 on September 6 and this led to a discussion about the correct procedures for self-isolation following recent changes to restrictions.

“The correct procedure was confirmed following a check with a manager and the individual who tested positive was sent home along with three other colleagues he had been working next to.

“The three other colleagues were able to return to work following negative PCR tests.

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“No disciplinary action was taken as a result of this situation.”

He added: “There are currently no Covid-19 cases recorded among the staff group at Baltic Street, although a number are currently absent due to other illnesses.

“We have asked other staff from within the department to provide cover to help sustain essential services.

“Those brought in to provide cover remain in their own work bubbles as far as possible, staying with their own team to work and returning to their own depot for breaks.”