Coronavirus cluster linked to earlier call centre outbreak

A coronavirus cluster in the Greater Glasgow area has been linked to an earlier outbreak at a call centre in Lanarkshire.

On Friday, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) said two more people – known contacts of earlier cases – have tested positive as part of the Greater Glasgow cluster, bringing the total to 13.

The health board confirmed one of the cases had a link to the Sitel call centre in Lanarkshire.

The outbreak at the Sitel premises, in Eurocentral business park near Bellshill, was first revealed on July 19, and involved more than 20 cases.

Staff at the call centre help to trace contacts of positive Covid-19 cases for NHS England.

The positive cases in the Greater Glasgow cluster have been linked to an Amazon warehouse in Gourock and M&D Green pharmacy in Port Glasgow, both Inverclyde.

Individuals, who may have been infectious at the time, were said to have visited a number of businesses.

These included The Botany bar and restaurant in Glasgow and a boat trip with Sweeney’s Cruises in West Dunbartonshire, both on Sunday.

Individuals also visited The Queen of the Loch by Marston’s Inn in Balloch and Lomond Woods Holiday Park on the weekend of July 24.

None of the cases are experiencing anything but mild symptoms, NHSGGC said.

All of the businesses linked to the outbreak are continuing to operate.

Dr Daniel Carter, consultant in public health medicine and chairman of the incident management team dealing with the cluster, said: “All those who have tested positive for Covid-19 have been given appropriate advice and are self-isolating.

“We are working with a number of businesses including a local pharmacy to trace any close contacts.”

He added that anyone who has been in any of the businesses involved should should “stay vigilant and alert to any symptoms suggestive of Covid-19”.

Dr Linda de Caestecker, director of public health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Everyone who may have been exposed to these cases is being followed up and given appropriate advice.

“We want to reassure community pharmacies and general practices in the area that no additional precautions are required beyond those already in place to protect patients and staff.”