More than 1,000 Scots have already backed the campaign, which has been launched by Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland
One of the biggest charities that fights for some of the people most at risk from coronavirus is calling for more Scots to join the growing movement to fight the virus.
The call comes after over 1,000 people have already signed-up to the Scotland Against Coronavirus campaign in just 48 hours.
Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland will be encouraging people to use their smartphones to share the latest health information with people after they have signed-up and share details of how people can get vital support when other services are under extreme pressure. They will be provided with social media messages and micro-volunteering opportunities to share – for example messaging someone who is struggling and on their own or getting in touch with people who need someone to talk to.
The charity aims to create the biggest public movement to support the fight against the virus and to remind people in Scotland that they are not alone.
Jane-Claire Judson, chief executive at Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, said: “We must not let self-isolation and social distancing lead to loneliness for our most vulnerable. They need our help right now and we need to use our social networks to organise all the support we can.
“Coronavirus is challenging our way of life. We must fight back with kindness and solidarity.
“It is absolutely amazing to see so many people already signing-up to support those at risk to stay connected during this difficult time. We want to encourage more people to sign-up and do what they can to help people live their lives to the full.
"Everyone deserves the chance to live life to the full – and we must not let that chance slip away for people with long-term conditions.”
Jock Shiells, from Eyemouth, is living with COPD, a long-term lung condition. He also runs a support group for people with the condition. The group has had to stop meeting because the risk of the virus is too high.
He said: “It’s a worrying time for everyone at the moment, but particularly if you are living with an existing health condition like COPD. It’s really important for people to keep as well as they can at home and in order to do this, we need to keep sharing the latest information with one another.
“Our groups are postponed for the foreseeable future but we are all trying to keep in touch using our mobiles phones. We are texting each other and even facetiming to keep the chat going.
“I’m delighted that so many people have joined Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s campaign and hopefully together we can all make a difference to those people most at risk.”
You can join the fight against coronavirus online.
