An employee at a hair and beauty salon in Cumnock is self-isolating after a customer tested positive for coronavirus. 

Ahead of Hair, located on Glaisnock Street, confirmed the news on Facebook, stating that a client who was in the beauty salon on Friday, September 18 initially showed no symptoms but later tested positive on Sunday, September 20. 

A staff member is self-isolating and contact tracing is being carried out. 

On Facebook, Ahead of Hair said: "There has been a positive case within the salon on Friday 18th sept. This was within the beauty side of the shop.

"The client wasn’t showing any symptoms but has later tested positive on Sunday, she has then contacted everyone she needed to.

"Track and trace have been in contact with the beauty girl and she only has since been told to self isolate.

"She was also advised that the hairdressing side of the salon and other beauty girls are fine to keep working and the salon has had a deep clean just to be on safe side. 

"Just wanted to clear this up as there seems to have been some confusion on this matter."

Lynne McNiven, Director of Public Health, said: “We know that people are anxious about the potential for COVID-19 to spread in the community – particularly now that our young people are back at school.

“Our Health Protection Team has had a huge number of calls from members of the public who are worried that they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. There have also been some false stories being shared on social media which has added to this worry.

“We would like to reassure members of the public that if you or your child has been in contact with a positive case, the Test and Protect team will be in touch. Our contact tracing team are well trained in assessing whether there is a risk of exposure.”

Lynne McNiven added: “It’s important to remember that, while there are very real worries about COVID-19, we have processes in place to keep you safe. So, if you have been contacted by the contact tracing team, follow the advice given. If you haven’t been contacted by the team, it is extremely unlikely that you are a close contact of a positive case.

“And as always, make sure you follow the social distancing guidelines, wear a face covering when required and practice good hand hygiene.”