Scotland is “highly likely” to have a coronavirus case within days, senior Scottish Government sources have warned.
As of Thursday morning, 11 people are known to have had negative tests north of the border for the virus.
Most of them were quarantined through self-isolation at home, although those with more serious conditions were taken to hospital.
Testing facilities for the deadly virus, which has killed around 170 people in China, are to be introduced in Scotland and rolled out across the country.
At the moment tests are done at Public Health England, Colindale. But Scottish laboratories are to be given the facilities to carry out the throat and nose swab tests.
The roll-out will start at laboratories in Edinburgh and Glasgow to service the main centres of population. But tests will be extended to Dundee and Aberdeen. There will also be “some capability” for testing in Inverness.
A senior Government source said: “I think it is highly likely we will have a positive case of the coronavirus in Scotland in the coming days.”
Scottish Government sources said there were 100 high isolation beds in Scotland for those displaying the most severe symptoms.
In all there were a total of more than 400 beds when other infectious disease beds that did not provide 24/7 cover were included.
Patients who do not display severe symptoms would be told to stay at home in “self-isolation”, similar advice given to flu patients.
The UK Government said the risk to the population remains low.
There is also legislation already in place to impose restrictions on someone’s movement under public health law if deemed necessary.
Anyone who believes they are showing symptoms for the virus is urged to contact NHS 24.
