TWO More Cases In Coronavirus Cluster
HEALTH officials say the Covid-19 cluster linked to Inverclyde now has 13 confirmed cases after two more people tested positive.
The cases are linked to the M&D Green pharmacy in John Wood Street, Port Glasgow and Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Gourock.
The latest individuals are amongst known contacts of the earlier cases and are already self-isolating. Anyone who may be affected is being contacted.
Dr Linda de Caestecker, director of public health, NHSGGC added: “None of the cases are experiencing anything but mild symptoms and, to maintain patient confidentiality, we are unable to give any further information on the cases.
“Everyone who may have been exposed to these cases is being followed up and given appropriate advice.
“We want to reassure community pharmacies and general practices in the area that no additional precautions are required beyond those already in place to protect patients and staff.
“The pharmacy named continues to provide a valuable service to the community and is following all the correct infection control protocols to ensure customers are safe.”
Some of the people involved visited various locations during the period in which they may have been infectious to others — The Botany on Maryhill Road in Glasgow City (lunchtime on Sunday 26 July), The Queen of the Loch by Marston’s Inn, Lomond Woods Holiday Park (weekend of 24 July) and Sweeney’s Cruises in West Dunbartonshire (3.45pm cruise on Sunday 26 July).
One case has a link to the Sitel call centre in Lanarkshire.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde stated: “Health and local environmental health staff are working closely with the all the businesses to trace any close contacts of the cases, and appropriate advice is being given to these individuals including on self-isolation.
“All the businesses continue to operate including the pharmacy and are following the guidance on social distancing and other precautions to keep their customers and staff safe.
“None of the cases or their contacts who are linked to the pharmacy are currently working there, and infection control measures in the pharmacy have been carefully reviewed. Anyone using the pharmacy or getting their medication from the pharmacy can be reassured that it is safe.”
Dr Daniel Carter, consultant in public health medicine and chair of the incident management team, said: “All those who have tested positive for COVID-19 are self-isolating and we are working with a number of businesses including a local pharmacy to trace any close contacts.
“We would like to take this opportunity to remind local residents of the importance of continuing with the general measures to minimise the risk of COVID-19 to themselves and to others. These include social distancing, regular hand-washing, and being vigilant for symptoms. Anyone with symptoms should immediately self-isolate and seek a test.
“Anyone who needs to do anything over and above these general measures will be contacted by the Test and Protect service and given specific advice.
“We would also ask that anyone who has been in any of these businesses should stay vigilant and alert to any symptoms suggestive of Covid-19. If symptoms arise people should immediately self-isolate and seek a test otherwise they do not need to do anything additional to these general measures unless they are contacted by the Test and Protect service.”
