Sunderland's Nike offices remain empty almost a week on from coronavirus lockdown

The base on Doxford International Business Park was closed off to staff last Wednesday, March 4, with security guards turning visitors away as a deep cleaning company moved into the complex.

On Friday it was confirmed that a person who works but does not live in the city has tested positive for the illness.

Since then, there has been a confirmed case of the illness – known as covid-19 – in Sunderland, and a patient, a woman from the Pennywell area, is being treated at South Tyneside District Hospital.

Her son has spoken to the Echo about his shock that his mother has developed the condition, despite not travelling abroad or coming into contact with anyone who had been during the outbreak.

At Nike, people in white suits and masks could be seen inside the Camberwell Way building last week and today, Tuesday, March 10, the site appeared to be closed off with no staff working.

Offices belonging to the company including locations in Soho, London, were also shut down over concerns, while its European HQ in Amsterdam was shut down after one of its workers was confirmed as being infected with the virus.

One of its stores, in Bicester in Oxfordshire, was also sealed off for cleaning last week.

The Echo has contacted Nike several times about the closure of its office at Doxford, but is yet to receive a response.

In a statement released to the Evening Standard following the closure of its London office, where 150 people are based, Nike said: “While we have no information indicating any exposure to employees, out of caution we are conducting a deep cleaning of our offices.”

The Government’s guidance has said there are no restrictions or special control measures needed if a person suspected of having coronavirus has been n the work place and while tests are awaited.

If a person confirmed as having the virus has been in the workplace, closure is not recommended, with bosses advised to contact their local Health Protection Team.

Further details on the guidance can be found by clicking here.

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