Aberdeen council bosses have prepared plans in case of an outbreak of coronavirus in the Granite City.
The infection, which is thought to have originated in China, is sweeping the world with thousands of deaths and cases discovered – although these have been mainly confined to south-east Asia.
New papers to be presented to the local authority’s public protection committee next week detail plans the council have in case people become unwell.
A local “resilience group” has been established between the council and NHS, the harbour board has been briefed on the possibility of it entering by ship and the council’s housing team is standing ready in case emergency accommodation is required.
A report to members reads: “The World Health Organisation has declared a public health emergency of international concern and, in response, the four UK chief medical officers changed the UK risk level from low to moderate.
“The public can be assured that Scotland is always well prepared for these types of outbreak and will remain vigilant.
“We have a proven track record of dealing with challenging health issues and have established public health and infectious disease experts working round the clock.”
Aberdeen became infamous in the 1960s after a typhoid outbreak in the city.
Lord Provost Barney Crockett has since written to the mayor of the Chinese city of Wuhan, which has has been sealed off, offering support.