Coronavirus outbreak among workers on Edinburgh's Trams to Newhaven project

Seven people who work on the Trams to Newhaven project have tested positive for Covid-19.

Edinburgh tram works. Picture Lisa Ferguson.

Edinburgh City Council confirmed the outbreak saying that the individuals who tested positive are now self-isolating.

Others who came into contact with those who tested positive have been contacted and advised to isolate and follow government guidance so as not to put anyone else at risk.

The council said that the outbreak is not expected to cause any major delays to the Trams to Newhaven project.

A council spokesperson said: “Seven people working on the Trams to Newhaven project have tested positive for Covid-19, each through transmission off-site.

“These people are now self-isolating as per the guidance and we have taken swift action to notify any other staff who they have interacted with to make sure they observe self-isolation rules.

"This is not expected to have a material impact on the progress of the project.

“The safety of staff and the public is of utmost importance and we have strict physical distancing and hygiene measures on-site to ensure this.”

The news of the outbreak comes just after work was scheduled to begin on Ocean Drive between Rennie’s Isle and Ocean Terminal.

Construction works on this part of the project are scheduled to be completed by autumn 2021.

Work was also set to begin this week on the area outside Stevedore Place, clearing utilities and laying tracks, ducting and drainage.

In November the project reached a key milestone at Ocean Terminal with the first tram track on the route being installed.

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