CORONAVIRUS: DE
Greater Glasgow cases rise to 57 – most in Scotland by far
GREATER Glasgow has recorded almost double the number of coronavirus cases than the next highest health board. During the Scottish Government’s 2pm update yesterday it was revealed that 57 people in the area have tested positive for the virus - an increase of eight of the previous day.
The nearest health board to that is Lothian with 33 cases, and Lanarkshire with 25.
It comes as Nicola Sturgeon confirmed that a third patient in Scotland who tested positive for COVID-19 has died.
There is currently no indication of where that patient was being treated – with the two previous deaths coming in Greater Glasgow and Lothian.
In Scotland, 6091 people have been tested for the deadly virus – resulting in 227 positive cases.
Tayside and Grampian both have 24 cases each, meanwhile Shetland has 16 cases and Forth Valley has 15.
The impact of the virus already been felt in Glasgow.
Glasgow Life yesterday closed its doors to all museums, public libraries, sports and community facilities in a bid to combat the virus.
And Ms Sturgeon announced yesterday that all schools in Scotland has will likely be closed by “the end of the week” and may not reopen until August.
The UK as a whole has seen a massive rise in the number of cases – jumping by 676 from 1950 to 2626.
Meanwhile, the number of UKwide deaths – including the three in Scotland – has hit 104.
Ms Sturgeon also announced a package of support to help lessen the impact of the virus.
As part of a £350million package of support to the Scottish Parliament, £80,000 is being provided to Age Scotland’s helpline.
It will help cover new equipment, allow staff to work from home and help increase the helpline’s capacity from about 100 calls per day to around 1500.
Ms Sturgeon said: “In these challenging times, when we are faced with a pandemic to which older people are especially vulnerable, Age Scotland’s helpline is providing an invaluable service.
“As older people are advised to reduce their social contacts to protect themselves from COVID-19, the staff here in Edinburgh are a lifeline to those seeking practical advice or just a friendly chat.
“I am delighted that with this extra funding, the Scottish Government will help make this service available to many more people.”
Brian Sloan, Age Scotland’s Chief Executive, said: “This is a concerning time for many older people and it is important that they have access to the most up to date, and trustworthy, information and advice as Scotland adapts to COVID-19.
“We are delighted that the Scottish Government are making a further investment in the Age Scotland Helpline so that we can scale up our efforts to provide information, friendship and advice to older people, their families and carers at this critical time.
“This will also help us increase the number of friendship calls we make to older people across Scotland who may have no one else to talk to as they socially distance themselves, providing them reassurance and a friendly chat.”
Age Scotland’s free, confidential helpline is available on 08001244222 from 9am5pm Monday to Friday.