Nine in ten Scots support testing to end Covid-19 crisis

Scots are supportive of testing measures to control the spread of coronavirus, new polling shows.

A test is carried out at a Scottish testing centre. Picture: John Devlin

Nine out of ten Scots (91 per cent) recognise the importance of testing while 89 per cent agreed that staying home helped to save lives.

The survey was carried out days before NHS Scotland’s Test and Protect was rolled out across the country. It also showed that 88 per cent would want a test if at all possible if they developed symptoms, and 88 per cent would be happy to provide details of people with whom they had been in contact. Health secretary Jeane Freeman said: “Test and Protect is an essential step in our response to Covid-19. We are taking this step now because it’s the appropriate thing to do for this stage of the virus.

“As with lockdown, we need everyone to take this next step very seriously. They have done this so far, and I am very confident they will step up as before.

“It is a collective national endeavour. People will need the help of family, friends, colleagues and employers. But support will be available for anyone who needs extra help to self-isolate.”