No more routine medical testing for mild symptoms of infection

People showing coronavirus symptoms will not be routinely tested for the infection any more, the Scottish Government has announced.

Those with “mild” symptoms of the Covid-19 illness should no longer seek medical help unless their condition deteriorates, according to new advice.

Only those admitted to hospital with flu-like symptoms and breathing difficulties, NHS staff and “key workers”, will be routinely tested as part of the updated testing policy.

It is claimed that expanded surveillance testing at GP surgeries “will provide real-time information on how the virus is spreading in Scotland”,

People with symptoms of the coronavirus infection, which include repeated dry coughing and a fever or high temperature, are being told to self-isolate for seven days.

The total number of people in Scotland with the infection will therefore not be known.

“This new approach to testing will enable us to understand the pattern and the spread of coronavirus. DR CATHERINE CALDERWOOD

As of yesterday there were 153 confirmed cases of coronavirus, up from 85 on Friday, with one death.

The UK’s Covid-19 death toll rose yesterday from 21 to 35, while the number of people testing positive for the disease passed the 1,300 mark.

Dr Catherine Calderwood said: “This new approach to testing will enable us to understand the pattern and spread of coronavirus in the community.

The updated testing policy will still see people admitted to hospital with symptoms tested to confirm whether they have the virus. NHS staff and other workers described by the Government as “key” will also continue to be tested if they show symptoms.

In a letter to Scotland’s health boards about the changes to testing, Dr Calderwood said that all people with a continuous cough or a high temperature above 37.8C, regardless of their travel history or contact with confirmed cases, should be told to stay at home for a week. They will not be tested.