As the government ramps up spread prevention measures, testing for coronavirus will now include a sample of people with flu-like symptoms.

A surveillance network of 41 GP practices across Scotland testing patients for flu will now submit samples to be tested for coronavirus.

A ‘precautionary step’, the Scottish government has said the sample group includes people with flu-like symptoms who have not travelled to an affected area such as Italy or China.

Clinicians are also testing for the virus among people admitted to critical care units with pneumonia across Scotland.

Meanwhile, NHS Lothian is the latest health board to introduce by-appointment ‘drive-through’ testing for covid-19. Based in Edinburgh’s Western General hospital, this is an expansion of existing community-testing services where trained teams were already testing patients in their own home.

The Scottish government and NHS Scotland have said they are working with the UK government, Wales and Northern Ireland to publish a joint action plan this week that will outline steps to be taken if there is a sustained epidemic.

An updated public information campaign is also being launched this week to reinforce the importance of hand-washing, for 20 seconds or more with water and soap, to prevent the spread of the virus.

As the first case in Scotland is confirmed today, Chief medical officer Dr Catherine Calderwood says Scotland is well prepared for a significant outbreak given there is currently no treatment or vaccine:

“Early detection measures will be vital in helping to prevent the spread of the virus in the event of an outbreak.

“Hospitals and GP surgeries will now conduct tests on some patients with coughs, fevers or shortness of breath - regardless of whether they have travelled to a place where the virus is known to be spreading.

“Not everyone with flu will be tested, but this is a sensible step to take as a precautionary measure to give us an early warning of community transmission.

“People have a vital role to play in helping us contain any outbreak by following the latest health and travel advice, and following basic hygiene precautions, such as washing hands frequently, not touching their face and covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.”