The First Minister of Scotland has announced the formation of a new expert group which will provide additional scientific analysis of the impact COVID-19 will have in the country. With the number of COVID-19 cases increasing, it is essential to have a complete understanding of how the infection is spreading in Scotland.
The Scottish Government COVID-19 Advisory Group will be chaired by Professor Andrew Morris, Professor of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh and Director of Health Data Research UK. Professor David Crossman, Dean of Medicine at the University of St Andrews and Chief Scientific Advisor for Health at the Scottish Government has been appointed as the vice chair.
The expert group will supplement the advice provided by the Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies (SAGE) to additionally reinforce the Scottish Government's modelling work informing national and local decisions during the pandemic. The Scottish Government is teaming up with the UK Government, Welsh Government and the Northern Ireland Executive to deliver a coordinated response to COVID-19.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Catherine Calderwood commented: "We are facing an unprecedented situation and it’s crucial we not only follow the latest scientific advice coming from SAGE, but establish what that means here in Scotland on a local level."
