Scottish Government must introduce regular care testing
Questioning the Health Secretary in parliament this afternoon, Scottish Greens Co-Leader Alison Johnstone MSP called on the Scottish Government to urgently introduce regular testing in Scotland’s care homes to help tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.
Alison Johnstone MSP said:
“The Scottish Government’s job is to ensure everything is done to prevent further outbreaks in care homes, and there is no doubt that regular testing alongside adequate PPE is the key to achieving this. Research shows that regular testing for at risk workers like carers would reduce the spread of Covid-19 from these individuals by a third.
“The predominantly female, low paid social care workforce deserve every protection available. We’re all aware of how these dedicated staff have gone above and beyond the call of duty throughout this crisis to support those they care for. Yet, Unison tell us that this workforce, “are terrified of passing on the virus.”
“Regularly testing these workers would ease anxiety, reduce spread, and prevent unnecessary isolation. As testing capacity continues to go unused every day, it’s vital that the Scottish Government institutes regular testing in care homes now.”