Scotland to launch coronavirus 'Test and Protect' programme today - this is how it will work

The Scottish Government's test, trace and isolate programme - labelled Test and Protect - will go live from Thursday.

Here are some key questions about how the Scottish government will use it to fight coronavirus.

How will it work?

Anyone over the age of five who develops symptoms of coronavirus - a cough, fever, or a loss or change in sense of smell or taste - should book a test.

The Scottish Government's test, trace and isolate programme - labelled Test and Protect - will go live from Thursday. (Photo by Fraser Bremner-Pool/Getty Images)

This can be done through the NHS Inform website or by calling 0800 028 2816.

They should then self-isolate for seven days, while others in the household should self-isolate for 14 days.

If you test positive, you will be asked to provide details of all recent close contacts to NHS contact tracers.

"Close contact" includes members of your household, people you have had face-to-face contact with within one metre, and people you have been in contact with at a distance of less than two metres for 15 minutes or more.

Those contacted will be asked to isolate for 14 days and to book a test if they develop symptoms.

If a contacted person does not have symptoms, other people in their household will not have to self-isolate.

What if I live in a rural area?

Testing can be booked at a drive through testing centre and there are several mobile testing units.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the Government is looking at ways to expand local testing to include testing done at home by a health professional or other trained person.

How will privacy be protected?

Ms Sturgeon said that people's privacy "will be respected at all times during this process".

She said the information provided will be "held securely within the NHS and used only for the purposes of tracing your contacts".

The Scottish Government will not have access to the information and all the work of identifying and tracing contacts will be done within the NHS.

Those contacted by tracers will not be told the name of the person who tested positive.

What about my work?

If you are at work when you are contacted you should immediately head home.

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