The number of coronavirus tests being carried out halved in less than a week, calling into question the effectiveness of Test and Protect, Jackie Baillie MSP has said.

Statistics published by the Scottish Government yesterday have revealed that the number of coronavirus tests carried out in Scotland dropped from 27,246 on the 2 September to 12,203 on 7 September.

With the number of cases reported skyrocketing, Jackie Baillie is calling on the Health Secretary to explain the significant decrease in the number of tests carried out.

Jackie Baillie MSP for Dumbarton, Vale of Leven, Helensburgh and Lomond said:

“Test and Protect is Scotland’s means of preventing the spread of the virus and the Health Secretary herself has said that hunting down Covid-19 via testing is key to its’ success.

“Worryingly, local people in West Dunbartonshire and Argyll & Bute including those who work in our care homes, have had serious challenges accessing testing and getting their results and this huge drop in the numbers of tests carried out, at a time when confirmed cases are increasing, will shake public confidence.

“Everyone who needs a test should get one and should get their results promptly. The Health Secretary must reassure people in West Dunbartonshire and Argyll & Bute that Test and Protect is properly resourced, effective and reliable.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

 https://gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-trends-in-daily-data/

Total daily tests – Table 5