Coronavirus: First case confirmed in Scotland

Scotland’s first case of coronavirus has been confirmed.

A patient has been diagnosed with COVID-19 in Scotland and has been admitted to hospital, where they are receiving treatment in isolation.

The patient lives in the Tayside area and has recently travelled from Italy.

Clinicians have begun contact “tracing”, the process of gathering details of the places they have visited and people they have been in contact with since returning to the United Kingdom.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon chaired a meeting of the Scottish Government Resilience Committee (SGoRR) and will be taking part in the UK Government’s resilience (COBRA) meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Monday morning.

The SGoRR will meet again later on Monday.

There have been 698 negative tests in Scotland since the outbreak in began in Wuhan, China.

According to Scottish and UK protocol all patients presenting with a history and symptoms which may be suggestive of coronavirus will be isolated and infection prevention and control measures will be put in place.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Our first thoughts must be with the patient diagnosed with coronavirus, I wish them a speedy recovery.

“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.

“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.”

Scotland’s chief medical officer Dr Catherine Calderwood added: “Firstly our thoughts are with the person who has been diagnosed, and with their family. I would like to thank all the health professionals who continue to be involved in their care and treatment.

“This is peak season for respiratory and flu-like illness. There will be people presenting with symptoms of acute respiratory illness but these cases are highly unlikely to be coronavirus (COVID-19).”