Two more confirmed cases of coronavirus in Scotland
Last updated 4th Mar 2020
Two more people have been diagnosed with coronavirus in Scotland - one is a resident in the Grampian area and the other from Ayrshire - bringing the total to three.
The Scottish Government says both patients are currently clinically well and are receiving appropriate clinical care.
One of the patients has recently travelled to northern Italy and the other has had contact with a known positive case – this contact was not with the first positive case confirmed in Scotland.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “Our first thoughts must be with the patients diagnosed with coronavirus, I wish them a full and speedy recovery.
“We expect the number of cases to rise and Scotland is well-prepared for a significant outbreak of coronavirus. There is currently no treatment or vaccine so early detection measures will continue to be vital in helping to prevent the spread of the virus.
“People have a vital role to play in helping us contain any outbreak by following the latest health and travel advice, and following basic hygiene precautions, such as washing hands frequently, not touching their face and covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.”
Health officials have begun contact tracing, the process of gathering details of the places they have visited and the people they have been in contact with, either face-to-face contact or spending more than 15 minutes within two metres of an infected person.
Those at risk of infection are being contacted for further advice.
Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Catherine Calderwood said: “Firstly our thoughts are with those who have been diagnosed, and with their families.
“Scotland is well equipped to deal with infections of this kind. We have a proven track record of dealing with challenging health issues, and have been preparing for this possibility since the beginning of the outbreak.
“We practice and prepare our response to disease outbreaks and follow tried and tested procedures, following the highest safety standards possible for the protection of NHS staff, patients and the public.”
Advice for travellers who have visited affected areas is available at NHS Inform.
More advice on travel can be found on Fit for Travel and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune symptoms, older people, and those with long term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China. This is a rapidly evolving situation which is being monitored carefully.
Specific guidance on handling the coronavirus has been shared with NHS staff.
For patient confidentiality reasons we cannot give out information that would identify any patients.
There have been a total of 914 negative test results in Scotland since the start of the outbreak.
According to Scottish and UK protocol all patients presenting with a history and symptoms which may be suggestive of coronavirus will be isolated and appropriate infection prevention and control measures put in place.
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