Two new positive cases linked to the coronavirus cluster in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area have been identified.
This takes the total number of infected individuals up to 13 and an Incident Management Team (IMT) are contacting anyone who may be affected. Both individuals were linked to known contacts of the earlier cases.
The news comes after three new positive cases were confirmed by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde yesterday.
NHSGGC has confirmed that the cases are linked to the M&D Green pharmacy in John Wood Street, Port Glasgow and Amazon in Gourock.
Some of the cases visited the following locations while they may have been infectious: The Botany on Maryhill Road in Glasgow City, and The Queen of the Loch by Marston's Inn, Lomond Woods Holiday Park and Sweeney’s Cruises in West Dunbartonshire.
The health board has also confirmed that a case has a link to the Sitel call centre in Lanarkshire, which experienced an earlier outbreak last week.
Health and local environmental health staff are working closely with all businesses to trace any close contacts of the cases, and advice is being given to all individuals involved, including those in self-isolation.
All the businesses named remain, including the pharmacy where NHSGGC say precautions have been taken to keep customers and staff safe.
None of the cases or their contacts who are linked to the pharmacy are currently working there, and infection control measures in the pharmacy have been carefully reviewed. Those using the pharmacy for medication have been told it is safe to do so.
Dr Daniel Carter, Consultant in Public Health Medicine and Chair of the IMT, 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.
"We would like to take this opportunity to remind local residents of the importance of continuing with the general measures to minimise the risk of COVID-19 to themselves and to others. These include social distancing, regular handwashing, and being vigilant for symptoms. Anyone with symptoms should immediately self-isolate and seek a test.
“Anyone who needs to do anything over and above these general measures will be contacted by the Test and Protect service and given specific advice.
“We would also ask that anyone who has been in any of these businesses should stay vigilant and alert to any symptoms suggestive of Covid-19. If symptoms arise people should immediately self-isolate and seek a test otherwise they do not need to do anything additional to these general measures unless they are contacted by the Test and Protect service.”
Dr Linda de Caestecker, Director of Public Health, NHSGGC added: “None of the cases are experiencing anything but mild symptoms and to maintain patient confidentiality we are unable to give any further information on the cases.
“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.
“The pharmacy named continues to provide a valuable service to the community and is following all the correct infection control protocols to ensure customers are safe.”
