Scottish surveillance testing system for Covid-19 begins

Testing of sufferers in Scotland with flu-like signs is to start as a part of measures to fight Covid-19.

A surveillance community of 41 GP practices will submit samples, even when sufferers haven’t travelled to an space affected by the brand new coronavirus.

The plan makes use of an current system recording the unfold of flu and is described as a “precautionary step”.

Testing can also be to be launched for sufferers admitted to essential care models with pneumonia.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Catherine Calderwood stated: “Scotland is well-prepared for a big outbreak of coronavirus however there’s at present no therapy or vaccine. Early detection measures can be important in serving to to stop the unfold of the virus within the occasion of an outbreak.

“Hospitals and GP surgical procedures will now conduct assessments on some sufferers with coughs, fevers or shortness of breath – no matter whether or not they have travelled to a spot the place the virus is thought to be spreading.”

She added: “Not everybody with flu can be examined, however this can be a smart step to take as a precautionary measure to provide us an early warning of group transmission.”

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What do I have to know concerning the coronavirus?

• WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? A simple guide
• WAYS TO PREVENT CATCHING IT: How to wash your hands
• WHERE ARE WE WITH A VACCINE? Progress so far
• A VISUAL GUIDE TO THE OUTBREAK: Virus maps and charts
• WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR MY HOLIDAY? Your rights as a traveller

As of Saturday, 630 assessments had been carried out in Scotland on individuals who might need been uncovered to the illness.

All assessments up to now have been adverse.

There have been 23 sufferers discovered to be affected by Covid-19 within the UK as an entire.