Fife health services ‘well prepared’ for coronavirus

At the health and social care joint integration board (IJB), members were told that the region’s preparations for the coronavirus were considered among the top across the country.

Lynn Barker, interim associate nurse director, told members Fife was a “well oiled machine”.

She added: “Every Wednesday we’ve had a Fife wide group meeting to discuss preparations. We have plans in place for a community testing team.”

Paul Madill, a public health consultant at NHS Fife, added: “As of Thursday at 9:00am, 437 people in Scotland have been tested – and none have come back positive.

“This is a new virus that started in China and has been rapidly evolving.

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“Most recent data shows there are 80,000 cases in China and 3,000 outside, with 41 countries involved.

“We have identified AT risk groups and had meetings with St Andrews University for overseas students, and we’re having regular meetings with Health Scotland.

“Fife was an early adopter of the community testing approach, which has been praised by other parts of the country. It means that people don’t have to go into hospitals and can remain in isolation until they’re given the all clear.”

Symptoms of the virus are developing a cough, high temperature’s and shortness of breath – however, they don’t mean you have Coronavirus, as it is very similar to the symptoms to the cold and flu.

To stop the spread, NHS recommend you cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.

Put used tissues in the bin immediately.

Wash your hands with soap and water often – use hand sanitiser gel or bacterial hand wipes if soap and water are not available.