Response praised by chief medical officer

Scotland’s chief medical officer has praised the NHS and frontline health workers in their response to the global outbreak of coronavirus.

With Scotland still free from cases of the potentially-fatal infection, Dr Catherine Calderwood thanked members of the public for “playing an important part in keeping both yourselves and others safe”.

Testing facilities for possible cases of Covid-19 are now in operation in Glasgow and Edinburgh, while health boards are also exploring whether community-based testing would be appropriate.

Dr Calderwood said: “It is vital that people continue to follow the guidance given. Don’t attend your GP practice or emergency department in person.

“If you have symptoms within 14 days of travelling to the affected areas, phone your GP or NHS 24 (111) immediately for urgent health advice.”

The statement follows news that a worker on a North Sea oil platform, who was placed in isolation while being tested for suspected coronavirus, was found to be clear of the infection.

The male crew member on the Tern Alpha platform off Shetland had presented with “minor symptoms” after returning from a holiday in Thailand and has been treated by a medic.

The Scottish Government’s advice is that people experiencing a fever, cough or shortness of breath within 14 days of returning from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Taiwan or Thailand, should phone their GP or NHS 24 immediately.

Dr Catherine Calderwood.