'Get tested' pleas to Fifers with coronavirus symptoms as numbers fall

Fifers with any coronavirus symptoms have been urged to get tested in a bid to curb the spread of the virus.

The call comes from NHS Fife as the region’s figure start to show a steady decline and the Scottish Government prepares to announce further restrictions to lockdown measures.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

Contact tracing is an established method of reducing transmission of communicable disease and NHS Fife’s Public Health Team is well-versed in carrying out the process.

It involves self-reporting of symptoms, testing suspected cases, tracing their contacts, isolating and protecting.

NHS Fife was one of three health boards chosen to polit the software system developed to trace contacts - and it will help them move faster and on a much larger scale than before.

The region’s health board has also rapidly expanded its contact tracing team with a programme of training completed and continuing to support staff in the use of the new software.

While the numbers of those requiring contact tracing remains very low currently, more than 30 staff have already been trained, and it is anticipated that around 50 will be in place each day by the end of June. This will increase still further in line with Scottish Government guidance as needed.

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Dona Milne, director of public health, said: “Effective contact tracing is a tried and tested method of breaking the chain of transmission for communicable diseases like covid-19.

“By identifying those who have come into close contact with individuals who have tested positive for the virus, we can provide the support and advice to prevent the virus being spread further.

“Contact tracing is most effective when individuals take the right steps to protect their families, friends and their community by self-isolating – this means maintaining distance from other family members wherever possible, not leaving the house for exercise or work and not visiting the shops for food or other essential items.

“Crucially, we know that those carrying covid-19 are often most infectious in the first few days after symptoms develop so it is important that people isolate themselves immediately, rather than waiting until they have received a positive result.”

She also urged Fifers to continue to adhere to social distancing, good hand washing and environmental hygiene such as cleaning surfaces and door handle, adding: “We would like to thank people in Fife for following the guidance over this past few months, it really does make a difference. ”

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