The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Sturgeon going into self-isolation,
Nicola Sturgeon is self-isolating after being identified as a close contact of a person who has tested positive for Covid.
The first minister announced on social media she will be self-isolating pending a PCR test in line with the current coronavirus guidelines after receiving a notification from the NHS last night.
In a post on Twitter, Ms Sturgeon said: “I’ve had notification tonight that I’ve been identified as a close contact of someone who is positive for Covid.
“Accordingly, and in line with the rules, I’ll be selfisolating pending a PCR test result.”
Meanwhile, Health Secretary Humza Yousaf is urging under-40s to get their second Covid vaccination and not “leave the job half done” amid rising cases.
The Scottish Government said the number of cases is rising and that about twothirds of new ones are in under-40s. Over the past month, 30% of Covid-19 related hospital admissions were in those aged under 40, and the majority of hospital admissions among unvaccinated people were in the under-40s age group (58%).
Mr Yousaf said the virus is “still a significant threat”.
He said: “Our message to you is clear. It’s not too late to get your vaccine and it remains vital that you get both doses in order to give maximum protection.”
Ian Scott, clinical lead for the respiratory ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) service Scotland, based in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, said that over the last few weeks they have been seeing increased numbers of referrals to intensive care of people aged under 40 with Covid-19.
The second dose of the vaccine can be given from eight weeks after the first, either at a drop-in clinic or by requesting an appointment through the NHS Inform website.
Mr Yousaf ’s call came as Scotland recorded another record number of new coronavirus cases, with 7,113 people testing positive for the first time.
It is the third time in a week the record for new infections has been broken, as the Scottish Government warned the situation is “fragile”. New cases have more than doubled in a week.
The number of patients in hospital with recently confirmed infections has also risen for the ninth consecutive day, reaching 507, with 52 in intensive care.