A supermarket has shut up shop for two days for cleaning in “an abundance of caution” after a spike in Covid-19 cases.

The MarketPlace chain said its Shelly Bay store would be closed until Friday.

The notice said: “The MarketPlace’s most urgent priority throughout the pandemic has been to provide a healthy and safe environment for our associates and customers.

“We have and will continue our detailed cleaning and sanitisation regimen in our stores.

“Due to an abundance of caution, the company has decided to close The MarketPlace Shelly Bay for two days.

“This will enable us to continue our deep cleaning and sanitisation process in the entire store and get all of our associates tested.”

The company said Shelly Bay staff would be paid over the temporary store closure and apologised for any inconvenience to customers.

A spokesman emphasised the stores followed Government guidelines.

He added: “We prioritise safety and we are constantly monitoring the evolving situation and adapting our efforts daily.

“We do everything possible to minimise risks to our staff and customers and we strongly encourage our staff to be vaccinated.”

The spokesman added: “Our associates are risking their safety, so the rest of us can shelter in place.

“The only way the rest of us are able to stay home is because the MarketPlace associates are willing to go to work.”

The spokesman said the temperature of staff was checked before they clocked on and that suspected coronavirus cases were sent to be tested and isolate at home until they got the all-clear.

He added all MarketPlace stores were deep cleaned by an independent contractor every night.

The spokesman said: “We closed this one store ourselves – we were not instructed to do so.”

He added: “Our most urgent priority throughout this pandemic has been to provide a safe environment for our associates and customers.”