Coronavirus case in Scotland ‘highly likely’

● Total of 161 tests carried out on people across the UK – all with negative results

Scotland’s chief medical officer has said a positive case of coronavirus in the country is “highly likely” in the coming days.

As of yesterday, 16 people are known to have had negative tests north of the Border for the virus.

Most of them were quarantined through self-isolation at home, although those with more serious conditions were taken to hospital

The World Health Organisation (WHO) last night declared the coronavirus a global emergency, as the outbreak continues to spread outside China..

A meeting was held on

Wednesday, chaired by the First Minister, to discuss the spread of the virus and Scotland’s preparations for a contamination.

Chief medical officer Catherine Calderwood said yesterday: “It is highly likely we’ll have a positive case of coronavirus in Scotland in the coming days.

“The public can be assured that Scotland has well-established plans and is well prepared for these types of outbreak.

“We have a proven track record of dealing with challenging health issues and have established public health and infectious disease experts working round the clock.

“We have also activated our emergency resilience operation.”

The admission comes after Professor Yvonne Doyle, medical director and director of health protection for Public Health England, said the first UK case was likely to come from someone already in the country.

As of yesterday, a total of 161 tests had been carried out on people across Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland – all with negative results.

The UK government said the risk to the population remained low.

A plan is in place for dealing with a confirmed case, which is usual in the event of any virus outbreak.

There is also legislation already in place to impose restrictions on someone’s movement under public health law if deemed necessary.

Anyone who believes they are showing symptoms for the virus is urged to contact NHS 24. All tests are being carried out at a single UK facility, although it is expected this will soon be rolled out to sites in Scotland. The waiting time to return results is between 24 and 48 hours.

An evacuation flight to bring British nationals back to the UK from the Chinese city at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak was meanwhile due to leave last night, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said.

The flight was due to leave at 9pm.

In a statement, Mr Raab said: “The safety and security of British nationals is our top priority.

“Our embassy in Beijing and consular teams remain in close contact with British nationals in the region to ensure they have the latest information they need.”

The flight, which will have military medics on board, will land at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.