Covid-positive Scots urged to give details of close contacts

People who test positive for coronavirus are being urged to provide details of their contacts when asked by Test and Protect.

The system enables people to securely list the details using an online tracing form.

It allows Test and Protect staff to then quickly identify people who have been in a higher risk setting, such as in a hospital or on a foreign holiday.

Staff can contact them by phone, giving advice quickly on how to break the chains of transmission.

Lower risk cases are sent public health advice by text message.

Health secretary Humza Yousaf said that the Test and Protect system is operating well under increasing pressure as case numbers rise.

“Our Test and Protect workforce continue to play a vital role in the battle against this pandemic and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude for all their efforts,” he said.

“Case numbers have increased recently and we have taken a number of steps to ensure the Test and Protect system continues to operate well under increasing pressure.

“We have supported recruitment processes in local health boards and bolstered the number of staff in the National Contact Centre.

“Our Test and Protect teams are also prioritising calls to cases deemed to be high risk and this is where the public can play their part.”

Yousaf also offered his thanks to those who comply when asked to self-isolate.

He said: “We are also asking anyone who has tested positive for Covid-19 to provide details of their contacts as soon as they are asked by Test and Protect, using our online tracing form, so that our teams can work quickly to offer advice to those most at risk.

“The majority of people comply when asked to self-isolate and we are thankful for the important role they continue to play in stopping transmission of Covid-19.

“While we are in the process of emerging from the pandemic, case rates at the moment underline the fact that this virus is still with us.”