Highland politicians Drew Hendry and Fergus Ewing insist Scotland is well-equipped to tackle coronavirus
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Highland politicians have urged the public to exercise caution over coronavirus but also said Scotland is well-equipped to deal with the infection.
Inverness, Badenoch, Nairn and Strathspey MP Drew Hendry and Inverness and Nairn MPS Fergus Ewing spoke out after the emergence over the weekend of Scotland’s first confirmed case of coronavirus, in Tayside.
The number of confirmed cases across the UK has risen to 51 while about 90,000 people worldwide have been infected.
So far more than 700 screening tests have been carried out in Scotland but there is no specific treatment or vaccine for this strain of the virus, known as COVID-19.
Mr Hendry said: “We live in an interconnected world, so it was only a matter of time before the new coronavirus arrived here in Scotland. My thoughts are with the person affected.
“I would urge people to follow the current advice being given by NHS Scotland to reduce the risk of infection and transmission, all of which are general good practice in maintaining personal hygiene.
“It is important not to panic, but rather to take the precautionary steps set out by health professionals, and if you are concerned then contact your GP or call NHS 24 on 111”.
Mr Ewing said: “Yesterday, the Scottish Government, Welsh Government, Northern Ireland Executive, and the UK government jointly published an action plan setting out a clear and collected approach to the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus. We have also published tailored guidance for Scotland’s unique landscape.
“Scotland is well equipped to deal with infections of this kind and health boards and social care services plan and prepare for a range of emergencies in order to minimise disruption as far as possible.
“We have a proven track record of dealing with challenging health issues and follow the highest safety standard possible to protect health and social care staff, patients and the public.
“The NHS has been specifically preparing for the possibility of further spread of coronavirus since it was first detected in Wuhan and yesterday’s planning information outlines the processes and protections in place to ensure a coordinated response to this outbreak.”
It is believed the virus spreads through droplets in coughs and sneezes and symptoms include a high temperature or fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
Anyone who has spent 15 minutes or more within two metres of an infected person is being contacted by the NHS for precautionary screening.
Those who think they may become infected or who have recently travelled to an affected area are encouraged to contact their GP or call NHS 24 on 111.
Current advice from NHS Scotland on reducing the risk of infection is:
Avoid direct hand contact with eyes, mouth or nose.
Maintain good hand hygiene, washing with soap and water or hand sanitiser: after coughing/sneezing; using the toilet; or before eating/drinking.
Avoid direct contact with people who have a respiratory illness and avoid using their personal items, such as a mobile phone.
Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with a disposable tissue and disposing of it in the nearest waste bin after use.
A helpline has been set up for people who do not have symptoms but are looking for general information: 0800 028 2816.
Related article: Possible coronavirus checking tent erected at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness
