Over 100 tested as GP raises mask concerns
Over 100 suspected cases of COVID-19 have presented across Tayside, it has been revealed.
Health bosses were discussing the area’s response at to the crisis at an NHS Tayside board meeting as the PA went to press yesterday.
The figure of 106, including over 50 this week alone, mainly involves people returning from northern Italy.
A dozen towns in Italy are currently in quarantine, and Austria, Croatia, Switzerland and Greece all say they have cases of the virus.
However, so far, none of the cases have been tested as positive.
The news came as a leading Perthshire doctor said GPs will be at the front line of the fight against the coronavirus.
Dr Andrew Buist, chairman of the British Medical Association’s GP committee in Scotland, tweeted on Wednesday that his Ardblair Medical Practice in Blairgowrie had not received protective masks.
However, he has since said he has been reassured and told all practices either have the masks or are to receive them shortly.
Dr Buist said: “I did have some concerns. We were getting reports [on Wednesday] that some practices across
Scotland hadn’t received the face masks and I raised this issue.
“But I’m pleased to say that swift action has been taken and practices that didn’t have the masks have now received them or are receiving them.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government confirmed: “All health boards have received adequate supplies of masks to distribute to GP practices.
“We have asked all boards to ensure that all practices in their area have received the masks.
“The masks have been issued as a precautionary measure and to ensure that practices have readily available supplies.”