Scotland’s most senior health official has insisted the country is ready to deal with the coronavirus – after the outbreak claimed its first life in Europe.
Chief medical officer Dr Catherine Calderwood yesterday said NHS Scotland is adequately prepared for treating patients.
She spoke out after a survey of NHS workers found 96 per cent did not think the health service was ready for the virus.
So far, 224 people in Scotland have been tested for symptoms but all have provided negative results.
Europe’s first coronavirus-related death has been confirmed in France.
The 80-year-old Chinese tourist was diagnosed with the illness before dying of a lung infection in a hospital in Paris. His daughter, who was also hospitalised, is expected to recover.
Calderwood praised the preparation of NHS Scotland and its frontline health workers in responding to the global outbreak.
She said: “Although we have yet to see a positive case in Scotland, the NHS has been preparing for the possibility ever since the beginning of this outbreak.
“Our staff across the NHS in Scotland have put in extraordinary work and I want to thank all health staff for their continued hard work and dedication during this rapidly evolving situation.”
Calderwood also thanked patients awaiting test results for following the guidelines on self-isolation. She said: “You’re playing an important part in keeping both yourselves and others safe and reducing the virus’s spread.
“It is vital that people continue to follow the guidance given. Don’t attend GP practices or emergency departments in person.”
Nine people in the UK have tested positive for the illness.
All but one of them have now been discharged from hospital.
Both Glasgow and Edinburgh airport yesterday said they are being guided by the NHS and local authority public health agencies on the virus.
Currently there are no screening measures in place at either airport.
