North Sea oil worker placed in isolation and tested for suspected coronavirus

A worker on a North Sea oil platform has been placed in isolation while he is tested for suspected coronavirus.

By PA Reporter Friday, 14th February 2020, 7:52 pm

The male crew member on the Tern Alpha platform off Shetland had presented with "minor symptoms" after returning from a holiday in Thailand and is being treated by a medic.

Tern Alpha is a fixed installation serving as a manned drilling and production installation in the East Shetland Basin of the northern North Sea.

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A spokesperson for Platform operator Taqa said: "A member of crew on board our Tern Alpha platform has presented with minor symptoms after returning recently from holiday in Thailand.

The male crew member on the platform (like the one pictured) had presented with "minor symptoms" after returning from a holiday in Thailand and is being treated by a medic.

"The individual is being attended to by the medic on board the platform and as a precaution he is remaining separated from the rest of the crew until the results of tests are known.

"Both the individual and Taqa continue to take the appropriate actions and precautions in line with the UK Government guidelines.

"Taqa is working closely with the relevant authorities and has put in place travel restrictions to its offshore platforms by individuals who have travelled recently to countries identified by the UK Government."

The Scottish Government said 200 people have now been tested for the virus, officially named Covid-19 by the World Health Organisation.

Separately, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) said staff in protective suits from its public health team will begin visiting the homes of people who have complained of symptoms associated with the virus.

They will undertake testing and offer advice.

Dr Emilia Crighton, deputy director of public health at NHSGGC, said: "I would encourage anyone who needs advice or information on coronavirus to access the NHS Inform website.

"The risk of catching this illness in the UK is extremely low and only those returning from at-risk areas, or people in contact with someone diagnosed with the illness are at risk.