MEMBERS of the public should sing God Save The Queen as they wash their hands to try and combat coronavirus, the UK's Heath Secretary has said.
Matt Hancock appeared across the UK's media yesterday to advise the public on the outbreak of the disease, and explained singing along to the English national anthem as you clean your hands would ensure they have been washed sufficiently.
READ MORE: Coronavirus: Anger as No 10 blocks access to EWRS over Brexit
Last night Scotland confirmed its first case of the coronavirus, also known as Covid-19, had been diagnosed in the Tayside area.
The resident had recently returned from Italy and is being treated in isolation in hospital. According to Scotland's chief medical officer Dr Catherine Calderwood, the patient is "clinically well".
She added they were "transferred to hospital last night as a precautionary measure only".
READ MORE: Coronavirus: First case of covid-19 confirmed in Scotland
A total of 36 people in the UK have now been diagnosed with the coronavirus, and the number of cases is expected to increase.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will take part in UK Government’s resilience (COBR) meeting this morning, which will be chaired by Prime Minister.
Speaking to Radio 5 Live yesterday, Hancock advised the public on the situation.
He said hands should be washed for at least 20 seconds or more in the fight to stop the spread of the virus, adding: "You should do that for 20 seconds or more, and the way we explain it to children is that you should sing … wash your hands as long as you’re singing either Happy Birthday or God Save The Queen."
READ MORE: Coronavirus: What we know about Scotland's first confirmed case
This morning, Calderwood reassured Scots. Speaking to Good Morning Scotland, she explained the next steps in combatting the virus.
She explained: "Hospitals and GP surgeries will now conduct tests on some patients with coughs, fevers or shortness of breath – regardless of whether they have travelled to a place where the virus is known to be spreading.
"Not everyone with flu will be tested, but this is a sensible step to take as a precautionary measure to give us an early warning of community transmission."
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