Shadow Health Secretary Donald Cameron has written to the Scottish Government urging it to introduce regular and rapid Covid-testing for Calmac ferry staff.
Mr Cameron, a Highlands and Islands MSP, acted after concerns were raised at outbreaks of coronavirus in several island communities, including the Uists, Lewis, and Mull.
He said: “Although there has not been a direct causal link identified between the outbreaks on the islands and Calmac’s operations, it is a fact there has been an outbreak among staff on a ferry serving the Western Isles."
“And, given the vulnerability of our island communities, owing to a lack of emergency medical facilities and ICU capacity close to hand, we must be vigilant to minimise the possibility of transmission. Indeed, the First Minister has just today, indicated that the relaxation of restrictions in the Western Isles, could be put at risk by the importation of the virus."
“I believe it is crucial that the Scottish Government acts quickly to establish a system of rapid Covid-testing on all publicly funded ferry services.”
