First Minister no longer self-isolating after negative COVID test

Nicola Sturgeon is no longer self-isolating after returning a negative coronavirus test. 

The First Minister said on Sunday she had received a notification from NHS Test and Protect, having been identified as a close contact of someone who tested positive, ​and would isolate pending a PCR test result. 

She has since confirmed this morning that her own test result was negative, meaning because she is double vaccinated that she can exit isolation. 

Sturgeon tweeted: "Relieved to report that my PCR test is negative. Coupled with fact I’m double vaccinated - with second dose more than 2 weeks ago - that means I no longer need to isolate. 

"I’ll still be doing regular LFD tests as added precaution tho - and encourage everyone else to do likewise."

Yesterday, 7,113 new cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Scotland - the highest daily total yet. 

There are 507 people in hospital confirmed to have the virus, with 52 people receiving treatment in intensive care. 

Sturgeon said following the publication of the figures: "We are seeing a rising curve of cases in Scotland. 

"It’s reassuring that vaccines are preventing the levels of serious health harms that case numbers like this would once have caused.

"However, we can’t be complacent and are monitoring carefully."

Meanwhile, the chief medical officer said it was "frustrating and really disappointing" to hear reports of abusive behaviour towards contact tracers as they try to keep up with soaring cases.  

Dr Gregor Smith tweeted yesterday: "Some exceptional work by contact tracing teams under very difficult circumstances today. Thank you to everyone involved. 

"But it’s frustrating and really disappointing to hear of increased aggressive behaviour & abuse to staff. Please be civil and patient with those trying to help."