A virus expert has said it is “potentially good news” that a coronavirus outbreak in Swindon seems to be limited to a particular distribution centre.

Dr Elisabetta Groppelli, a virologist at St George’s, University of London, said news that at least 30 people have tested positive for Covid-19 at the XPO Logistics depot in Penzance Drive was a reminder the virus is still with us.

She told BBC Wiltshire: “However, when it comes specifically to the new cases in Swindon there seems to be particularly limited to a working environment, a specific working environment and this is potentially good news in the sense that knowing where the transmission is, knowing where the infected people are is potentially of good advantage when it comes to tackling further spread.”

Asked whether there was a link between outbreaks at outbreaks at places like distribution centres, where the working environment was usually colder, she said: “The working environment and the environment itself do play a factor, yes.

“The virus does like to be in cooler, wetter environments. So a food production plant or abattoir seems to be helping the virus spread from person to person or even survive a little bit longer on surfaces or being transmitted.

“Now we know about this we need to make sure that in terms of making this working environment Covid secure. We’re actually working in the right direction in terms of targeting specifically these environments.”

A coronavirus testing unit was sent to the XPO Logistics depot on Wednesday. Testers will remain at the site for four days.