Scottish Mountain Rescue teams in Covid-19 plea to Highland hillwalkers; group urges people to tell call handler if they suspect they have coronavirus symptoms
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MOUNTAIN rescuers in the Highlands have urged all hillwalkers caught up in an incident to tell police if they suspect they might have Covid-19 or its symptoms.
Scottish Mountain Rescue – which includes Dundonnell, Braemar and Skye's teams among its members – made the appeal in a big to help protect rescuers from infection.
It comes as people social distancing themselves head for the great outdoors.
Scottish Mountain Rescue, which includes Police, RAF and Search and Rescue Dog Association teams among its 24 group members, has also asked outdoor pursuits enthusiasts to stick to "familiar and safe" areas.
The body said it was reviewing action plans to ensure they could provide a continuous service.
In a statement, Scottish Mountain Rescue said: "Being in the outdoors has many benefits and we are usually very happy to encourage individuals to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of Scotland.
"However, during this ongoing situation we ask you not to take any unnecessary risk when enjoying the outdoors.
"Perhaps go on adventures you are familiar and safe with and while doing so, keep social distancing in mind.
"If you require assistance but you suspect you have Covid-19 or have been in contact with someone who has it then please tell the police this information as soon as you can so our teams can prepare for this. If you need assistance in the outdoors then please dial 999, ask for police, then mountain rescue.
"We encourage everyone to maintain good personal, hand and respiratory hygiene and follow the NHS guidelines and government information.
"Our team members are all volunteers and we don’t want them sent home with anything worse than wet clothes and muddy boots!
"Together, we can do our bit in all this."
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