A total of 148 Scottish tests for Coronavirus have concluded, all of which were confirmed negative as of 13 February 2020.
The Department of Health and Social Care publishes figures on behalf of all UK Chief Medical Officers. Test results from Scotland are included.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency of international concern, and in response, the four UK Chief Medical Officers changed the risk level from low to moderate.
This does not mean that the risk to individuals has increase or that any additional precautions are necessary. The change reflects the need for governments and the health service to escalate planning and preparation in case of a more widespread outbreak.
The SNP Government’s approach is guided by the Chief Medical Officer and it continues to monitor the situation closely and to work with the WHO and international community.
Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
Kenneth Gibson MSP commented:
"While it is heartening to learn that as yet, no Coronavirus has been detected in Scotland, we must not become complacent and follow guidelines issued to help prevent contraction."
The WHO advises taking the following for protection:
Wash your hands frequently
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub if your hands are not visibly dirty, in order to eliminate the virus if it is on your hands.
Practice respiratory hygiene
When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – discard tissue immediately into a closed bin and clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. Covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing prevent the spread of germs and viruses. If you sneeze or cough into your hands, you may contaminate objects or people that you touch.
Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and other people, particularly those who are coughing, sneezing and have a fever. When someone who is infected with a respiratory disease, like 2019-nCoV, coughs or sneezes they project small droplets containing the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the virus.
The SNP Government will publish updated data on this page on a daily basis after 2pm until further notice.
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