The East Devon District Council employee whose return from Italy prompted a complete shut down of the council's headquarters last week has tested negative for COVID-19.

The council's head office in Honiton, Blackdown House, was closed down as a precautionary measure on Friday, March 6, after concerns arose regarding a staff member who had recently returned from Italy, a country which has been hit hard by the Coronavirus.

On Monday morning Blackdown House reopened after a 'deep clean' and a council spokesperson stated that the affected member of staff was now awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test.

Today, a council spokesperson said on Twitter: "We can confirm that the East Devon District Council employee who required testing for COVID-19 has now received the result which is negative."

More information and advice on Coronavirus (COVID-19) can be found on the Gov.uk website.