Seven test positive as Covid-19 cluster linked to Police Scotland training college in Fife

NHS Fife has confirmed that seven people with links to the driving school at the Police Scotland Training College in Tulliallan have tested positive for COVID-19.

All positive cases are currently experiencing mild symptoms and are isolating at home, and it is understood the overall tally includes household contacts who have tested positive

There is no evidence at this stage of transmission within the wider facility, and health officials say – based on the measures already taken and information currently available – the risk of onward transmission has been minimised.

Contact tracers are in the process of identifying and tracing the close contacts of the positive cases to provide public health support and advice.

As a precaution, additional contacts of the positive cases have been asked to self-isolate pending further assessment.

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.

“It is crucial that anyone experiencing the well-established symptoms of COVID-19, such as a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, arranges to be tested using the UK Government Citizens’ Portal or by calling 0800 028 2816.”

Police Scotland assistant chief constable Alan Speirs added: “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.”