Nicola Sturgeon told to cut Scots Covid quarantine to seven days

Nicola Sturgeon facing demands to cut Covid self-isolation in Scotland from 10 to seven days in line with the rest of the UK when she updates rules TOMORROW amid fears over impact of absent staff on NHS services

• FM urged to cut current 10-day isolation to seven days in line with rest of UK 
• Both Northern Ireland and Wales have taken the step in recent week 
• Depute First Minister said government was  ‘actively considering’ the move

Nicola Sturgeon faced demands from across the political spectrum today to announce a cut to the Covid quarantine time for Scots to help beleaguered public service.

The SNP First Minister was urged by the Tories and Labour to cut the current 10 day isolation period to seven days in line with the rest of the UK, when she updates Holyrood tomorrow.

Both Northern Ireland and Wales have taken the step in recent week, bringing them into line with the isolation period for England.

Depute First Minister John Swinney said on Tuesday the government was still ‘actively considering’ the move, but gave no indication of any specific changes.

Ahead of Wednesday’s announcement, Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross said isolation should be cut to seven days, if two negative tests are returned in the final two days. He also suggested household contacts be allowed to leave isolation if they test negative. 

‘Scotland has the strictest self-isolation rules anywhere in the United Kingdom,’ Mr Ross said.

‘We understand the need for caution, but Nicola Sturgeon’s dithering and delaying is continuing to have a major impact on frontline services and the wider economy, due to the sheer numbers having to isolate.

The SNP First Minister was urged by the Tories and Labour to cut the current 10 day isolation period to seven days in line with the rest of the UK, when she updates Holyrood tomorrow.

Ahead of Wednesday’s announcement, Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross said isolation should be cut to seven days, if two negative tests are returned in the final two days.

Mr Ross said: ‘We understand the need for caution, but Nicola Sturgeon’s dithering and delaying is continuing to have a major impact on frontline services and the wider economy, due to the sheer numbers having to isolate’

‘She must finally confirm in her latest update that the period of isolation will be cut to seven days, for those who have tested negative twice.

‘Her indecision, coupled with new restrictions, has harmed many businesses at what should have been their busiest time of the year.’

He added: ‘We’ve been calling for weeks for these changes to self-isolation rules to be done safely and since then we’ve seen more evidence that the Omicron variant is proving to be less severe in terms of the impact it is having on those who get the virus.

‘Nicola Sturgeon must listen to the warnings from many crucial sectors and finally implement a cut in the length of time people have to isolate for.

‘We’ve seen Wales and Northern Ireland now do this, so people have rightly been asking why has the First Minister continued to wait to do likewise in Scotland?’

‘Her current approach is unsustainable and tomorrow’s update must finally bring in the necessary changes to protect essential services.’

Daily coronavirus cases in Scotland reached a record new high of 20,217 on Monday, with a daily test positivity rate of 34.9 per cent.

ScotRail introduced a reduced train timetable today as the rail operator seeks to cope with Covid-related staff absences.

Services on several routes will be less frequent between Tuesday and January 28, with the changes mainly affecting the central belt.

Passengers have been asked to check the status of their journey before they head to the station.

Alex Hynes, managing director of ScotRail, told the BBC’s Good Morning Scotland radio programme on Tuesday that the reductions affected around 160 of the 2,000 services the company normally runs each day.

The Scottish Government has also urged secondary school pupils to take a lateral flow test before returning to school this week to limit the spread of Omicron, while those aged 12-15 are being encouraged to come forward for their second coronavirus jab for which they are now eligible. 

Mr Ross’ comments were echoed by Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie.

Ms Baillie, who is also the party’s health spokeswoman, said: ‘The SNP must use this update to confirm whether they will change self-isolation requirements in line with the latest evidence, to stop staff absences piling yet more pressure on businesses and services this winter.’

She went on to also push for an increase in testing capacity after Scots faced trouble booking a PCR test over the festive period.

‘Scotland’s testing system is showing signs of considerable strain, leaving people across the country facing impossible decisions.

‘Before any new restrictions can be justified the government must act to ensure our testing system is working properly and demonstrate the evidence that new rules would meet the unique challenges of Omicron.’

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