FMQs: 'Self-isolating' children's home staff told to turn up for work

Staff in a children's home have been told to turn up for work despite being in "self-isolation" after contact with an infected youngster, MSPs have been told.

Richard Leonard raised concerns

Labour leader Richard Leonard warned this risks spreading the virus and contravenes national Coronavirus guidance as he raised the issue in Holyrood today.

The Labour leader told Nicola Sturgeon during First Ministers Questions that staff at a residential children's unit in Glasgow have been told to self-isolate at home because they've had close contact with a young resident who has tested positive with Covid 19.

But he added: "They have also been instructed to continue to go to work.

"These staff have been sent letters saying that although they and their own family households must self-isolate for 14 days, their place at work is being considered as a `second household setting' by Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board, that they are part of the `children's unit bubble.'

"This is not safe and in fact it is a direct contravention of the guidance set out by Health Protection Scotland.

"These frontline workers are anxious, they are concerned that they may spread the virus to the people they care for at home and at work."

He called on the First Minister to ensure that the units allow staff to self-isolate as necessary.

The First Minister pledged to "personally" look into the matter.

"I'm very clear about the guidance and the guidance in Greater Glasgow and Clyde which, with the exception of Inverclyde, are strict in terms of household contact with elsewhere in the country."

But she added: "In residential services there will be some circumstances where a different situation applies."

"All necessary precautions must be taken to limit the spread of the virus. And of course workers, and that absolutely includes workers in residential children's services must feel safe and supported in their workplace."

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