West Dunbartonshire’s MP Martin Docherty-Hughes has urged the public to be vigilant in response to the Coronavirus outbreak and stay up-to-date on the official government guidance issued by the Chief Medical Officer.
The Scottish and UK Governments announced on Thursday 12th March that the next stage of the resilience action plan is being implemented, moving from the containment to the delay phase.
The advice is that people with mild symptoms suggestive of Covid-19 including continued coughing, or a fever or a temperature of above 37.8 should self-isolate for seven days. Those who have been in contact with someone who is experiencing symptoms should only self-isolate if they begin to experience symptoms.
From Monday all large gatherings above 500 people with the potential to impact the emergency services are to be cancelled to prioritise the Covid-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.
As of Friday 13th March, 85 people in Scotland have tested positive for the virus out of 3,314 individuals tested, with 21 cases confirmed in the NHS Greater Glasgow in Clyde area.
People looking for up-to-date public health advice for coronavirus have been urged to check online at the NHS Inform website, or via a free helpline on 0800 028 2816 (available Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 10.00pm).
The Scottish Government has also launched a new helpline, based at the Scottish Enterprise offices in Clydebank, for Scottish businesses to access advice and support on Covid-19. The helpline number is 0300 303 0660 which will be open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm.
Martin Docherty-Hughes MP said:
“Locally people are doing the right thing and following the official government guidance on hygiene and self-isolation at home which is based on the scientific advice of the Chief Medical Officer.
“These are worrying times for many, and that’s understandable. However, it’s important to stress that for those who do get infected the vast majority will only experience mild flu-like symptoms and recover fully.
“Older and vulnerable people are most at risk, and it’s important that we all look out for each other. The coming weeks are going to be challenging but we all have a role to play in limiting the spread of the virus and helping look out for others.
“Reports of panic-buying at supermarkets are concerning. We’re assured on the resilience of food supply chains in the weeks ahead, so people should only buy what they need so others aren’t left without daily essentials.
“There appears to be a lot of misinformation being shared online, especially on social media. My advice is to be vigilant and follow the official medical guidance which is updated regularly on the nhsinform.scot website or call the coronavirus health advice line on 0800 028 2816.”
Chief Medical Officer Catherine Calderwood said:
“Scotland is well-prepared for a significant outbreak of coronavirus but there is currently no treatment or vaccine. Early detection measures will continue to be vital in helping to prevent the spread of the virus.
“Following scientific and clinical advice, we have moved from containment to delay and that means we are advising all those experiencing symptoms which may be coronavirus, including those with mild symptoms, to stay at home.
“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.”
Keep up-to-date on the latest public health advice online at: www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus
