Coronavirus outbreak linked to Glasgow Subway depot

A number of Glasgow Subway workers are self-isolating following a coronavirus outbreak linked to a depot.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) said its Test and Protect team is carrying out contact tracing and all those affected are being advised to quarantine.

A spokesperson for the health board said: “Test and Protect is carrying out contact tracing of Covid-19 cases linked to an SPT depot in Glasgow.

“To respect and maintain patient confidentiality, no further details will be released, however we can confirm that those identified so far as cases or contacts have been advised to self-isolate.

“We would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to adhere rigorously to the general advice and requirements that are set out on NHS Inform and Scottish Government websites, including immediately self-isolating and seeking a test upon developing any symptoms.”

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) said staff are “fully aware of all health advice and the responsibility they have to keep themselves, their colleagues, and the public safe” during the pandemic.

A spokesperson said: “Subway has continued to operate throughout the Covid lockdowns to assist key workers who still need to travel and have no alternative.

“This current lockdown period has seen a widening of key worker roles with construction, manufacturing, and other essential services including health appointments continuing, so demand for services has been greater.

“We are following all government and public health advice and regularly review our own risk assessments across SPT to ensure our staff are as safe as possible.

“Staff are fully aware of all health advice and the responsibility they have to keep themselves, their colleagues, and the public safe – ensuring they wash their hands and maintain safe physical distance as much as possible.

“We have increased cleaning regimes in both public and staff areas and all staff must follow the protective arrangements in place, this includes cleaning and sanitising their work/break area before and after use.

“While we have endeavoured to continue to offer our usual high standard of customer service, staff are aware the priority is to maintain a safe physical distance both for their safety and that of the public.

“Our social media and advertising encourages card payments as much as possible, and most transactions are by card. In addition, the Subway now takes contactless payments so we expect card use to keep increasing.”