Nicola Sturgeon had to face demands today from all sides of the political spectrum to declare a reduction to Covid quarantine times for Scots, in order to assist the public beleaguered service.
Labour and the Tories urged the SNP’s First Minister to reduce the 10-day isolation to seven days, in order to be more comparable with other parts of the UK. She will update Holyrood tomorrow.
Wales and Northern Ireland both took the steps in the last week to align themselves with England’s isolation.
John Swinney (deputy first minister) stated on Tuesday that while the government was still considering the move, he did not give any indications of specific changes.
Douglas Ross, the leader of the Scottish Tory party, said that isolation should be reduced to seven days if there are two positive tests returned within two days. He suggested family contacts could be allowed to return home if they fail an AIDS test.
Ross stated that Scotland has some of the most strict self-isolation laws in the United Kingdom.
‘While we understand the need to be cautious, Nicola Sturgeon’s dithering, delaying, and ignoring the obvious is having a huge impact on frontline service delivery and the wider economy.
Labour and the Tories urged the SNP’s First Minister to reduce the 10-day isolation to seven days, in order to be more comparable with other parts of the UK. She will update Holyrood tomorrow.
Douglas Ross of the Scottish Tory Leader said Wednesday’s announcement was premature. He stated that isolation should be cut down to seven days in case two negative results are received within two days.
Ross stated that despite the fact that we understand the importance of caution, Nicola Sturgeon’s delay and dithering continues to impact the economy and frontline services, because she is trying to control the large number of people who are being isolated.
“She has to confirm that her last update will state that seven-day isolation is being given for all those who are negative after two tests.
“Her indecision combined with new restrictions has caused many businesses to suffer at their busiest times of the year,” said Mr.
He said, “We have been calling for changes in self-isolation rules for several weeks. Since then, we have seen evidence that Omicron is less harmful to those with the virus.
Nicola Sturgeon should listen to warnings from crucial sectors, and then implement a reduction in isolation time.
“We have seen Wales and Northern Ireland do it now, so the people rightly asked why the First Minister has continued to delay doing the same in Scotland?”
“Her current approach to protecting essential services is not sustainable. Tomorrow’s update should bring about the changes necessary.”
With a 34.9 per cent daily rate of positive tests, coronavirus cases for Scotland rose to a new record high Monday of 20,217.
ScotRail today introduced a reduced train schedule to help cope with Covid-related staff absences.
Between Tuesday, January 28 and February 28, services on many routes will become less frequent. The changes are mainly in the central belt.
Before they leave the station, passengers are asked to verify the progress of their travels.
ScotRail managing director Alex Hynes stated that approximately 160 of the 22,000 services it normally offers each day were affected by the reductions.
In order to reduce the spread of Omicron in secondary schools, the Scottish government has urged pupils from secondary schools to undergo a lateralflow test prior to returning to school. Children aged 12-15 years old are also encouraged to get their second coronavirus jab.
Jackie Baillie (Scottish Labour deputy leader) echoed Mr Ross’ remarks.
Ms. Baillie also serves as the party’s health spokesperson.
Scots were having difficulty booking PCR tests during Christmas, so she continued her push for more testing capacities.
The testing system in Scotland is under severe strain. This leaves people all over the country facing difficult decisions.
“Before any additional restrictions can be justified, the government must ensure that our testing system works properly and show the evidence that the new rules will meet Omicron’s unique requirements.”