Test and Protect advice to be sent around Scotland

Information about the Test and Protect system, and what to do if someone develops coronavirus symptoms, is to be sent to households across Scotland.

The NHS programme is designed to reduce the risk of the virus spreading and was rolled out across Scotland on May 28.

It is being issued as the country moves into phase two of the Scottish exit strategy with more restrictions being lifted and the new message to “Stay safe. Protect others. Save lives”.

Health secretary Jeane Freeman said: “NHS Scotland’s Test and Protect plays a vital and central role in protecting all of us and will ensure we move through the phases of our exit strategy.

“It is a collective effort to help us protect others and save lives.

“We will continue to lift restrictions if we break the chain of transmission and suppress the spread of the virus.

“We need everyone who has symptoms of Covid-19 to isolate and book a test immediately and to work with NHS Scotland contact tracers to identify who they may have had close contact with.

“Please keep the leaflet handy so you know exactly what to do if you need to self-isolate and how to access any support you need.

“NHS Test and Protect is central to keeping this virus under control but so too is physical distancing, wearing a face covering, avoiding crowds and good hand and cough hygiene.

“Together all of this will help us stay safe, protect others and save lives.”

People with symptoms are urged to get tested straight away, with positive cases then referred to contact tracers.