Nearly 2,000 COVID cases linked to Euros

Almost 2,000 people who attended a Euro 2020 event have tested positive for coronavirus, Public Health Scotland has found.

A new report said 1,991 people had attended a football event while infectious and may have unknowingly passed it on to others.

The analysis of Test and Protect data comes as a record number of Scots have received a positive COVID-19 test result.

The latest daily figures show 3,887 new cases have been reported, almost ten per cent of the total number of tests taken.

This is over 600 cases higher than the previous record, set on Monday, of 3,265.

In addition, three further deaths have been reported from coronavirus, while 235 are in hospital, including 19 in intensive care.

The First Minister has said the relatively low number of people falling seriously ill is proof the vaccination programme is having a positive impact.

Nicola Sturgeon said: “Vaccines are now doing much of the work we needed heavy restrictions to do in the last wave. And thankfully, we continue to see a much lower burden of serious illness.”

However, she went on to urge people to continue to abide by the public health rules and attend vaccine appointments.

Public Health Scotland has added a Euro 2020 tag where a person attended Wembley, Hampden or the Glasgow fanzone, or had been at an informal gathering to watch a match.

Nearly three-quarters of these individuals were aged 20 to 39 and nine in ten were male.

Almost two thirds (1,294) of cases reports travelling to London for an event, including 397 who attended Wembley for the England v Scotland match on 18 June.

The report also found a reduction in the number of people successfully traced through the Test and Protect system in the week ending 27 June.

Of the 15,603 people who tested positive over a seven-day period, only 8,078 had had their contacts fully traced.

Both Labour and the Lib Dems have expressed concern about the system not being able to keep up with case numbers.

Labour’s Jackie Baillie said: “If Test and Protect is coping, as ministers insist it is, then the decision to suspend checks is utterly baffling.

“The reality is the system is overwhelmed and corners are being cut as a result. The government must give Test and Protect the resources it needs to deliver its vital role and help keep us all safe.”

And Lib Dem MP Wendy Chamberlain said: “The Scottish Government has had months to plan for this increase in cases and the management of fans around the Euros but spent that all time insisting everything was working well.

“That complacency is now really costing us. The system needs urgent reinforcements.”

Meanwhile, the SNP has urged the UK Government to extend furlough support across the UK in light of growing case numbers.

Philippa Whitford MP said: “Many sectors are still unable to operate at full capacity so the idea that now is the time to cut financial support is quite simply ludicrous.

“Instead, furlough and business support must continue for as long as restrictions remain in place. Furthermore, the UK Government must deliver a major fiscal stimulus package which will boost the economy and secure an investment-led recovery.”

The Greens have called on the Scottish Government to support people who are having to self-isolate as a result of a positive test.

Gillian Mackay MSP said: “Providing financial support to people who face losing income is vital, but for many, offers of practical assistance like getting the shopping in, picking up a prescription or having someone walk the dog may be just as important.”