Concern was reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) last month by the Scottish Police Federation, which suggested the use of other tests which it said would not put officers at risk.

Federation general-secretary Calum Steele said other tests such as urine samples could be used instead.

But following an investigation the HSE has now ruled no further action is required on the issue.

Police Scotland has "suitable procedures in place" for safely using breath tests during the coronavirus pandemic.

A spokeswoman said: "HSE received a concern about the risks to police officers from work-related exposure to coronavirus while conducting breath tests.

"We have now made inquiries and are satisfied that Police Scotland has suitable procedures in place to proportionately manage the risk and we do not intend to take any further action."

Last month, Police Scotland said more than 11,000 frontline officers and staff had been trained and equipped or resupplied with the necessary personal protective equipment.

A spokesman for the force told the PA news agency this is now up to more than 14,000.

Up to April 29, 827 police employees had arranged to be tested for Covid-19 and 163 of those were found to have the virus.

Further testing data from April 7 to June 10 shows 1,164 symptomatic tests with 160 positive results, with no positive cases from 210 asymptomatic tests in the same period.

Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor said: "I welcome HSE's confirmation that we are meeting their expectations around the provision and use of protective equipment and procedures for road-side breath-testing during this public health emergency.

"We will continue to protect the public from those who put others at risk by driving after using drink or drugs.

"At the same time, Police Scotland has a moral, ethical, professional and legal duty to ensure the safety and welfare of our officers and staff and as a service we do all we can to protect them.

"Our operational guidance will remain under review and we will listen and respond to any new evidence and guidance if it emerges, where the statutory agencies consider it necessary."

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to scotsman.com and enjoy unlimited access to Scottish news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy Yates

Editorial Director

Police Scotland has ‘suitable procedures in place' for safely conducting breath tests during coronavirus