The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
More than 700 traced after
More than 700 people have been traced across Scotland after coming into contact with an individual who tested positive for Covid-19, with fewer than two people traced on average for each confirmed case so far.
The first minister said some “very initial” data published yesterday on NHS Scotland’s new test and protect system showed 681 cases were reported where an individual tested positive for Covid-19 between the day the system launched on May 28 and June 7.
Contact tracing has only been completed for 481 cases and will be “ongoing” in others, the first minister confirmed, with 741 contacts traced so far – at a rate of 1.5 people contact traced per person on average.
Ms Sturgeon added: “I would remind everyone that if you have symptoms of Covid-19 you should book a test immediately and follow the advice on self-isolation.”
She added this data would become “much more detailed” in the weeks ahead.
It comes as new figures reveal that, as of June 7, a total of 4,000 coronavirus deaths were recorded across Scotland, with 89 since May 31, the sixth weekly drop in a row.
Test and protect is NHS Scotland’s initiative, aimed at preventing a second wave of Covid-19 by ensuring those who come into contact with it self-isolate.
Under the scheme, anyone with a new continuous cough, temperature or loss or change of taste or smell can visit NHS Inform to book a test at a mobile or drive-through testing centre, or order a home testing kit.
In the event of a positive test, people will be asked whom they have been in close contact with, including family, anyone they have had direct face-to-face contact with and anyone within two metres for more than 15 minutes.
NHS contact tracers will then be in touch with those who have come into contact with a diagnosed person.
The number of deaths has fallen for the sixth week in a row, with 89 deaths the lowest weekly total recorded since late March.