Labour trio test positive for COVID

“Coronavirus Coronavirus does not discriminate.”

That was the stark warning from the leader of the South Lanarkshire Labour group after three of his councillors tested positive for COVID-19.

Joe Fagan confirmed with the News on

MondayMonday thatthat aa number of elected Labour members had contracted the virus.

Now the party are working with the local council to identify any potential spread of the disease.

The leader of South Lanarkshire Council’s Labour Group has given a stark warning after confirming three of his councillors have tested positive for COVID-19.

East Killbride Councillor Joe Fagan told the News yesterday that all three elected members attended a group meeting two weeks ago in person.

But he insisted all precautions were taken and guidance strictly followed at all times with all those present at the meeting told to work from home, self-isolate and get tested if displaying even minor symptoms.

However, he said it is a stark reminder that no one is immune from the virus with numbers on the rise.

“The virus does not discriminate.

While we can all do our bit to protect ourselves and others, there is always going to be the danger of infection until the virus is brought under control and eliminated,”he warned.

The Labour Group participated in last week’s full council meeting remotely.

Councillor Fagan, pictured, said: “After one Labour councillor tested positive, members of the Labour Group were encouraged by the authorities to get tested, even if they were displaying minor symptoms.

“This led to two further positive tests. The councillors concerned have been self-isolating and a number of others have also been asked to self-isolate as a precaution.

“Office-bearers of the Labour Group are in regular contact with the Corporate Management Team at the Council, who are in turn taking advice from NHS Lanarkshire.”

But Councillor Fagan stressed that NHS Lanarkshire had not confirmed transmission occurred at the Labour Group meeting.

Currently, hybrid meetings are held where half of those involved attend in person while the rest link in remotely.

He added:“The extent to which these cases are linked is not clear and it is important to stress all councillors appreciate the steps taken by council staff to make public buildings safer.

“Meetings are socially distanced with online attendance allowed, hand sanitiser is available, there is more home working than ever before and procedures are in place to limit the spread of the virus.

“However, it is clear we are seeing an increase in infections nationwide and in Lanarkshire too.

A spokesman for the council said the safety of everyone was their “priority”, having put in place a number of arrangements to ensure safe working during the pandemic.

That included remote working, including virtual meetings for elected members.