Covid-19 isolation days cut from 10 to seven

THE self-isolation period after testing positive for Covid in Scotland has been shortened to seven days.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced in the latest coronavirus update yesterday that the government has made the “careful” decision to allow people to shorten the Covid isolation period by three days in Scotland, if they have two negative lateral flow tests.

While self-isolating for 10 days is still recommended, those who have no fever and have recorded two negative lateral flow tests now have the option to stop isolating seven days after testing positive for Covid-19.

The first test must be taken no earlier than day six of testing positive for coronavirus and the second must be taken at least 24 hours later.

She also said close contacts to someone who has tested positive for Covid do not have to isolate if they are fully vaccinated and take a lateral flow test every day for seven days.

Those who do not have to isolate must have received all doses of the vaccine, including the booster or third doses or be aged under 18 years and four months.

Anyone older than this who is not fully vaccinated should selfisolate for 10 days and take a PCR test. Changes to self-isolation came into effect from midnight.

Ms Sturgeon said: “These changes are significant and not completely without risk.

“However, at this stage of the pandemic they strike an appropriate balance between the continued importance of self-isolation in breaking chains of transmission, and reducing the disruption self-isolation causes in the economy and critical services.”

From today, anyone testing positive for Covid with a lateral flow test no longer needs to take a PCR to confirm the result.

Instead, people must isolate immediately and report their results online.

All current rules on large gatherings and in hospitality venues will remain until at least January 17.