STAFF members at a Basingstoke pub who had been isolating with coronavirus symptoms have returned to work “symptom free”, Wetherspoon has confirmed.

Last week, The Gazette reported that three members of staff from the Maidenhead Inn pub on Winchester Street were self-isolating at home with coronavirus symptoms.

A spokesperson for Wetherspoon said at the time: “Wetherspoon is not aware of any confirmed cases of Covid-19 amongst staff or customers at the Maidenhead Inn. Three employees are currently self-isolating after developing symptoms. We understand that one of the employees has had a test and is awaiting the results and the other two employees have not yet been tested.”

The chain has now revealed that all three employees who were isolating have returned to work, although only two received negative test results.

A Wetherspoon spokesperson said: “The three employees who were isolating have now returned to work symptom free, having isolated in line with NHS guidelines.

“Two of the employees received a negative test. The third was unable to obtain a test but returned to work symptom free after 10 days.”

Speaking of the Wetherspoon policy on employee self-isolation, they said: “In accordance with NHS guidance, employees of JD Wetherspoon are required to self-isolate for at least 10 days if they test positive or develop Covid-19 symptoms.

“The 10 day isolation period starts from the onset of symptoms or receiving a positive test result, whichever is later. If after the 10-day period, employees still have certain symptoms, they are advised to continue isolating until free of their symptoms.

“Employees can stop self-isolating after 10 days and return to work, without receiving a negative test result, if they feel well and are symptom free.

“If an employee receives a negative Covid-19 test result, they can return to work if they feel well and are not displaying symptoms.”