NICOLA Sturgeon has said she has confidence the Test and Protect scheme is “suppressing and hopefully eradicating” coronavirus – despite concerns about the number of people being tested.
Scottish LibDem leader Willie Rennie asked the First Minister why only 1% of the 19,000 people estimated to have the virus had been tested since the programme launched last week.
Responding at First Minister’s Questions, Sturgeon said the Scottish Government’s data on the Test and Protect scheme is not likely to be available until next week but people with symptoms need to come forward for testing.
Asked about how effective the scheme is proving to be, Sturgeon said: “I believe it is capable of playing a significant part in suppressing and hopefully eradicating the virus.
“We can’t force people to come forward for testing but we have to encourage people to do that and explain why it’s so important.”
She added: “So let us – all of us – take every opportunity to say to people, if you have any of the symptoms of coronavirus, which of course is a fever, a cough or a loss of change in your sense of taste or smell, then don’t delay, don’t wait a day or two to see if you feel better.
“Immediately go to NHS Inform or phone the NHS 24 and book that test.”
Responding to Scottish Conservative MSP Rachael Hamilton about support for people having to self-isolate due to the Test and Protect scheme, Sturgeon welcomed the UK Government’s announcement of statutory sick pay for every day someone is in isolation.
Sturgeon added that, from her anecdotal experience and government monitoring, “the vast majority of people in Scotland” have been complying with lockdown and said she hoped that continues with self-isolation as lockdown eases.
A total of 3911 people have died in Scotland with confirmed or suspected coronavirus, according to the National Records of Scotland (NRS).
There were 131 deaths relating to Covid-19 registered between May 25 and May 31, down 99 on the previous week. This marks the fifth consecutive weekly reduction in deaths involving the virus. More than half (52%) of all registered deaths involving Covid-19 in week 22 occurred in care homes. The number of deaths in care homes also fell for a fifth week in a row, down by 56 from last week to 68.
The statistics are published weekly and account for all deaths registered in Scotland where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate. They differ from the lab-confirmed coronavirus deaths announced daily by the Scottish Government because they include suspected or probable cases of Covid-19.
Based on the Government’s numbers, a total of 2386 patients have died in Scotland after testing positive for coronavirus, up by 11 from Tuesday, Nicola Sturgeon said.
Speaking during FMQs in the Scottish Parliament, Sturgeon said 15,504 people have tested positive for the virus in Scotland, up by 33 from the previous day. There are 1117 people in hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19, a decrease of 51. Of these patients, 34 were in intensive care, marking no change from Tuesday.
Figures have also revealed that car use rocketed as by 110% on Scotland’s roads at the weekend after lockdown eased. Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said the “significant rise” included volumes “beyond what would be expected to be generated by local residents” and suggest breaches of five-mile journey rules.
He said: “I understand that lockdown has been tough – and coupled with the fantastic weather we have experienced, I appreciate the temptation is there to travel further to see your friends and loved ones or to enjoy some of our most scenic routes.
“I would again ask that you follow the guidance to stay at home where you can or stay local where possible.”
He added: “Every contact with someone outside your household creates another opportunity for this virus to take a stronger hold in our communities.”
Transport Scotland data reveals car levels on tourist routes were up 110% on Saturday and Sunday last week, compared with 10% over Monday-Thursday.
For non-tourist roads, the increase was 70%. The rise at cross-Border areas was 35%.
Meanwhile, cycling levels rose by 170% and train use went up by 65%, compared with 30% for buses.
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