DON’T PANIC!
APPEAL FOR CALM AS VIRUS ADVANCES
DON’T PANIC! That’s the message from the authorities as the deadly coronavirus hones in on East Kilbride.
Three cases of COVID-19 have now been confirmed in Lanarkshire sparking fear among locals, with reports of panic buying sweeping the town.
The first case came to light on Sunday when it was revealed someone from the area’s University of the West of Scotland campus – attended by students from East Kilbride – had the condition.
But NHS Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire Council and education chiefs have reiterated calls for calm. That includes following Public Health protocols and hygiene advice, as well as using common sense. NHS Lanarkshire this week introduced community testing, which will see health professionals in protective clothing attend to those who think they have the virus.
The NHS’ director of public health said this would allow them to better manage any possible cases whilst minimising the risk of infection to others. Gabe Docherty, pictured, said: “Not everyone tested will have the virus.
“I appreciate it may be daunting for neighbours and family members to see our staff in their neighbourhood in protective clothing, but there really is no need to be concerned.
“This is simply a precautionary measure in line with standard infection control procedures.”
The Scottish Government have confirmed three cases of the potentially deadly coronavirus in Lanarkshire.
The first case came to light on Sunday when it was revealed someone from the Lanarkshire campus of the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), attended by students from East Kilbride, had the COVID-19 strain.
The patient is being treated in hospital with health bosses moving to reassure their condition is “giving no cause for concern”.
A spokeswoman from UWS said: “We fully appreciate concerns about coronavirus, however Public Health officials have reassured that the risk of contracting it from this individual is extremely low.
“In line with Public Health advice, all UWS campuses remain fully open and operational, with students and staff asked to attend as normal, whilst following the most up-to-date care advice.” There are now 23 confirmed cases in Scotland out of almost 3000 tests carried out.
A new community team has been established in Lanarkshire to test people who have been identified as being at risk of coronavirus at home. The dedicated team of nurses and healthcare clinical support workers are visiting people in their homes to collect samples for testing, making it easy for them to follow health advice rather than coming into contact with others in GP practices or hospitals.
In line with established infection control measures, the team will wear protective clothing while undertaking community testing.
Gabe Docherty, NHS Lanarkshire’s director of public health, said the new approach was a sensible step benefitting staff, local people and communities alike.
He added: “The introduction of community testing is all about following the advice in relation to staying at home, minimising contact with others and limiting the potential spread of the virus.
“By doing this, we can better manage any possible cases – of course, not everyone tested will have the virus – while minimising the risk of infection, so it benefits everyone all round. “I appreciate it may be daunting for neighbours and family members to see our staff in their neighbourhood in protective clothing, but there really is no need to be concerned. “This is simply a precautionary measure in line with standard infection control procedures.”
South Lanarkshire College, based in East Kilbride, say no cases of the virus have been found there and classes are running as normal with extra precautions in place to “mitigate the risk”.
This includes all business travel, which has been curtailed – the college is encouraging the use of video conference for meetings rather than travel.
There has also been an increase in the cleaning of surfaces in public spaces and depute principal Angus Allan said the college was “monitoring the changing situation regularly” and adopting new advice as it emerges.
Meanwhile East Kilbride Dementia Carers Group are urging visitors, carers and service users not to attend its premises or events if they have travelled to a Category 1 country/area during the two week self-isolation period or to a Category 2 country/area AND have developed symptoms.
Health bosses say anyone who has visited an affected area – visit www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus for an up-to-date list – and has a fever, cough or shortness of breath within 14 days of returning is advised to phone their GP or NHS 24 on 111 immediately.
They should not go to their GP practice or other healthcare setting in person.
There is also a section on the NHS Lanarkshire website, with links to lots of official information and advice, and information is being shared through its social media channels.