BUG LINKS

Coronavirus Scotland: Seven cases linked to Police Scotland’s Tulliallan training college

SEVEN coronavirus cases have been linked to Police Scotland’s training headquarters. 

The seven individuals, who all have ties to the police driving school at Tulliallan, are now isolating. 

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

The positive tests at the cop school were confirmed by NHS Fife tonight. 

These include household contacts who have tested positive.

The individuals who have tested positive are said to be experiencing mild symptoms.

Health chiefs say there is no suggestion that the virus has been transmitted outside of the driving school area of the training base.

It comes as a further 244 Covid-19 cases were recorded across Scotland in the past 24 hours.

It's the country's highest daily spike since May 6, when 272 cases were registered.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Speirs said: "Police Scotland is following Scottish Government and NHS guidance and where cases of coronavirus are identified, we work with the local health board and follow Test and Protect procedures. 

"We have robust measures in place to help stop the spread of coronavirus. The cases relate to our driving training facility and there is no evidence of transmission within the wider college.”

David Hamilton, Chairman of the Scottish Police Federation, said: "This is concerning but frankly not surprising news.

"We have been warning of the dangers of complacency within Police Scotland for a number of weeks now - particularly in relation to basic protective measures, such a mask wearing. 

"We wish all those ill, a full and speedy recovery and hope that other colleagues affected, and their friends and families, remain safe."

Dr Lorna Watson, a Consultant in Public Health Medicine at NHS Fife, said: "We appreciate that students and staff attending the Police Scotland College at Tulliallan may be concerned, however, there is no indication of further transmission of COVID-19 at the facility and we believe the risk of contracting coronavirus remains low. 

"As part of the Test and Protect programme, we have systems in place to identify close contacts of positive cases quickly to reduce the opportunity for the virus to spread further. This is a tried and tested method of breaking the chains of transmission for communicable viruses such as COVID-19."

No new deaths were recorded overnight from the virus in Scotland, while seven patients currently remain in intensive care after contracting the bug.