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NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has introduced community testing for people reporting symptoms associated with Coronavirus.

Staff from the public health team will be attending people’s homes in protective suits to undertake the testing and offering advice to anyone displaying symptoms which include: high temperature or fever, coughs and shortness of breath.

The NHS issued a statement urging the community not to be alarmed if the public health team are spotted in their area.

Currently there are nine people diagnosed with the disease in the UK.

The areas affected by the virus are: China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, SIngapore, Malaysia and Macau.

If anyone has visited these areas and has a fever, cough or shortness of breath within 14 days of returning, you are urged to phone your GP or NHS 24 on 111 immediately. Don’t go to your GP practice, phone for advice from home.

If anyone has been to Wuhan City or other parts of Hubei province and don’t have symptoms, remain at home (self-isolate) for 14 days following their return from Hubei and:

· avoid having visitors – it's okay for friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food

· don’t go to work, school or public areas, or use taxis or public transport

· phone NHS 24 for further advice about what to do and how to look after your health

While it may be possible to transmit the virus before symptoms are shown, the NHS say this risk remains low and it isn’t necessary for other household members to remain at home too.

Dr Emilia Crighton, Deputy Director of Public Health, 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.

“Our staff carrying out the testing will be wearing protective clothing as a precautionary measure and we would appreciate if the public show their support for our staff.”