Coronavirus prevention guidance expanded to workplaces

The Scottish Government has expanded its guidance on stopping the spread of coronavirus to include workplaces.

The move comes after the number of cases of COVID-19 rose to 18 in Scotland as of Sunday.

The advice expands on previous guidance issued to educational institutions in recent weeks.

Compiled by Health Protection Scotland, it instructs people to routinely clean items which are regularly touched such as phones and keyboards, ensure food is not left open for communal consumption, clean cutlery thoroughly, as well as continued instruction on basic hand cleaning.

Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “This publication has been circulated following general guidance on basic preventative measures against coronavirus and specific guidance for educational settings.

“It contains clear, practical guidance that will ensure workplace staff have the latest information about Covid-19 and how we can all help prevent it from spreading.

“We are well-prepared for an outbreak in Scotland, but the public has a vital role to play in helping us contain any positive cases by keeping themselves informed, and following basic hygiene precautions.

“That includes hand-washing, not touching their faces unless their hands are clean, and covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing then putting the tissue in the bin.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Sunday it is important the public continues to listen to guidance from health professionals in a bid to stop the spread of the virus.

Despite the increase of just two cases in Scotland between Saturday and Sunday, numbers in the UK jumped by the highest single day increase since the first case emerged.

A total of 273 cases were confirmed across the UK on Sunday, a jump of 67 in the preceding 24 hours.