Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP, Angus B MacNeil is calling for the testing capacity available in the islands to be used to patrol for the Covid-19 virus in the community.

Commenting Angus MacNeil MP said:

“Yesterday, together with a cross-party group of MPs and Lords, I led an online forum with politicians from the Faroes and Iceland to discuss their different approach to tackling Coronavirus.

“It turns out that the Faroese who have banished Covid-19 from the Faroe Islands are still testing and using their tests to firstly to check anyone who might have symptoms, secondly to do random testing to 3% of their population and thirdly some companies such as the large salmon company, Bakkafrost are testing all employees periodically. 

“It would seem logical and sensible to me that the unused capacity that we have in the Hebrides should be doing the same, to both patrol for the virus and to see if any asymptomatic carriers are discovered. This assumes that our extra testing capacity is capable of doing so, if it is not capable, we have offers from Nordic friends to help out.  It would seem odd when we are ahead of the virus in the islands, to wait for the virus to come and swamp us, now is the time for action. If we get a high number of cases, it would then be too late.

ENDS