Urgent special request from North and South Lanarkshire Health & Social Care Partnership

This vital advice was issued after it emerged that healthcare professionals were arriving at affected homes, oblivious to the potential spread of infection - until they were told while the consultation was underway.

And the plea comes straight from the respective chief officers of both North and South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnerships who were made aware of the trend as a matter of urgency.

Ross McGuffie, chief officer, Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire, said: “Our partnership with people in communities is as crucial as it’s ever been as unprecedented demand on our workforce continues to increase.

“It is vitally important that the public helps us to keep as many of our staff as safe as possible to ensure they can help our most vulnerable patients.

Val de Souza, chief officer of South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership said: “It is crucial that any symptoms associated with COVID-19 are disclosed before any of our staff visit so that they can protect themselves, and others, accordingly.

“People will still receive a service, but they do need to tell us so staff can prepare accordingly.”