Glasgow 2014: Norovirus outbreak tally hits 32

THE health scare surrounding the Commonwealth Games village set to host thousands of athletes from around the world escalated on Thursday night after 20 more workers were struck down by the suspected norovirus bug.
Dozens of Commonwealth Games workers have been struck by an outbreak of norovirus at the athletes' village. Picture: Phil WilkinsonDozens of Commonwealth Games workers have been struck by an outbreak of norovirus at the athletes' village. Picture: Phil Wilkinson
Dozens of Commonwealth Games workers have been struck by an outbreak of norovirus at the athletes' village. Picture: Phil Wilkinson

Just days before Glasgow 2014 begins, 32 workers at the Athletes’ Village have now fallen foul of the outbreak of sickness and diarrhoea.

With competitors and officials moving into the purpose-built site in Dalmarnock in the east end, staff affected have been told to remain at home until clear of symptoms for 48 hours.

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The outbreak is likely to concern teams about to start an 11-day stay at the village, but last night Canada, Australia and England were among those who said they had no plans to seek other accommodation.

The village remained operational as normal yesterday, with health officials stressing that no athletes or team members had reported any symptoms.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said it is working on infection-control measures at the village. But it could not rule out new cases stemming from people being exposed to the virus before the measures were rolled out.

The board said the 20 new cases reported “mild gastrointestinal symptoms,” similar to the effects of the norovirus.

The first cases of the sickness and diarrhoea bug emerged on Tuesday, when 12 members of staff were sent home.

Dr Catriona Milosevic, consultant in public health medicine at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Village residents and workforce have been informed and issued with health information. There have been no reports from athletes or team officials and the village is open and operating as normal. We are continuing to monitor the situation closely.”

The 700-house village was officially opened last Sunday and will host 4,500 competitors and another 2,300 support staff.

Some officials have already moved on to the site, with Team Scotland the first to take up residence on Wednesday.

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Team England said yesterday it had not rolled out a contingency plan for alternative accommodation in light of the outbreak.

The Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games Council, which will be sending 117 athletes, also has no intention to change its plans.

“I was there at the athletes’ village on Tuesday and Wednesday and I’m absolutely fine,” a spokesman said.