Further restrictions still under review, Nicola Sturgeon says amid record Covid cases

NICOLA STURGEON confirmed today that Scotland will not be placed under any further Covid restrictions despite recording its highest ever daily case numbers.

The First Minister told a virtual session of the Scottish Parliament yesterday that almost 16,000 people had tested positive for coronavirus in one day — the highest total since the start of the pandemic — but that Holyrood will join Westminster in not tightening restrictions.

Ms Sturgeon said that isolation periods — particularly for key workers — are being reviewed and a decision on this is set to be announced in the coming week. 

She said that the current surge in cases means that testing capacity is under pressure, with those working in the NHS and on public transport set to be given faster responses to PCR tests.

Opposition leaders said testing capacity must be increased rapidly, with Scottish Labour calling on the British government to do more to work with and support the efforts of devolved administrations. 

Party leader Anas Sarwar said: “Our front-line workers have worked tirelessly to keep us all safe and secure — but staff absences are spiking and the disruption to vital public services is rising.

“The First Minister must set out what scientific evidence she is relying on to justify delaying making any changes to self-isolation rules.

“We know that testing is the key to breaking transmission. But across Scotland that system is showing signs of strain. 

“With Hogmanay approaching, the First Minister must take action to increase testing capacity, availability and speed of results.”