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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Carla Jenkins

Police Scotland staff concerned as Govan call centre workers test positive for coronavirus

Staff at a Police Scotland call centre are concerned following an outbreak of positive coronavirus cases at the Helen Street office in Glasgow.

NHSGCC has confirmed an investigation into a cluster of coronavirus cases at the Govan HQ, but says there is no risk to the wider community.

However, a member of staff contacted Glasgow Live amid concerns about the cleaning process at the Police Control Room and Service Centre.

The person - who asked to remain anonymous - said colleagues are worried about the spread of the virus due to social distancing and hygiene measures in the building.

They said: "There is no transparency. We know that there are positive cases and people going home to self-isolate, but no one has officially told us it yet. There are cases cropping up every day.

"There are hand sanitising stations, masks and signage, but the guidance also says that wearing masks is not mandatory - so it's not clear.

"There seems to be no deep cleaning going on after people are testing positive.

"The cleaners are in sanitising office desks once a day, where two people could be sat at one desk in one day. It is impossible for the cleaners to sanitise the desks and keyboards while staff and officers are dealing with calls.

"People are getting frustrated, because the cases are starting to feel inevitable."

A Police Scotland spokeswoman confirmed the cases at Helen Street but told Glasgow Live that an enhanced cleaning system has been in place at its contact centres for months.

She added: "Police Scotland is following Scottish Government and health guidance and where cases of coronavirus are identified, we work with the local health board and adhere to Test and Protect procedures."

NHSGCC has said there is no risk to the wider community through the number of cases connected to the police.

A spokeswoman told Glasgow Live: "Our Public Health team have been investigating a very small number of cases connected to Police Scotland.


"Test and Protect have contacted anyone who may have been affected and close contacts were advised to self-isolate and given appropriate advice.

"There is no risk to the wider community and to respect and maintain patient confidentiality, no further case details will be released.

"We continue to ask the public to remain vigilant. The general measures to minimise the risk of Covid-19 remain the same - social distancing, regular hand washing, and being on the look-out for symptoms.

"There is no need for anyone to seek a test if they are not experiencing any symptoms but anyone with one or more of the symptoms should immediately self-isolate and order a test on the NHS inform website www.nhsinform.scot."

The Scottish Government confirmed to Glasgow Live that both workers and employers should follow official coronavirus guidance.

The Scottish Police Federation were also approached for comment.

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