Staff who self-isolate from work at Ayrshire councils amid fears of Coronavirus will be awarded sick pay, it has been confirmed.
As concerns grow over the spread of the disease, thousands of workers have been told they can take time at home if required.
It follows yesterday's first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Ayrshire.
Councils have been instructed by Cosla, the authority for all local governments, to allow staff to take "special leave".
The positive diagnosis of more Scots has prompted discussions on whether more people should undertake self-isolation.
Trade unions had raised concerns that workers who are not sick but need to self-isolate could miss out on being paid by their employers.
The Scottish Government website signposts people to NHS advice on self-isolating, which involves remaining at home without visitors.
Reasons for self-isolation include: returning from Wuhan city or other parts of Hubei province within the last 14 days, returning from other category one areas, such as Iran and parts of South Korea and Italy, if you are a contact of a confirmed case or a health worker who has been advised to self-isolate.
The advice, for people who haven’t shown any symptoms, recommends avoiding intimate contact and not sharing towels, clothes or razors.
Those who have symptoms should self-isolate while awaiting medical assessment.
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council confirmed: "Staff who have to self-isolate would still be paid.
"That is the guidance from Cosla for all Councils."
