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Daily Record
Daily Record
Politics
Chris McCall

Nicola Sturgeon confirms 'baseline' covid restrictions will remain in place across Scotland

Nicola Sturgeon has today confirmed that "baseline" covid restrictions will remain in place across Scotland.

The First Minister told MSPs at her weekly statement on the pandemic that recent data "continues to give grounds for optimism".

It comes as the number of Scots in hospital who have tested positive for covid in the last 28 days has dropped from 1,394 to 1,177 in the last week.

But Scots will still be expected to wear face coverings when using public transport, visiting shops or other indoor public spaces.

The Scottish Government is required by law to review all covid restrictions every three weeks.

Sturgeon told MSPs: "These improving trends are a result of booster vaccination, the proportionate measures introduced in December, and the willingness of the public to adapt behaviour to stem transmission.

"This has enabled us, over the past two weeks, to remove virtually all of the additional measures introduced in December.

"Most recently, as of yesterday, guidance on home working was updated to enable a partial return to the office, with hybrid working where appropriate.

"And from the end of next week – February 11 - the requirements for overseas travel will also be eased. Fully vaccinated travellers will no longer need to take a test on their arrival into Scotland."

The First Minister continued: "This return to much greater normality is very welcome for individuals, households and businesses across the country.

"However, common sense - coupled with the strong desire not to go backwards - demands continued caution.

"The NHS remains under acute pressure. As I reported a moment ago, the number of people in hospital with Covid is falling – but it is still double what it was just before Christmas.

"As I also reported earlier, the recent fall in cases is now levelling off.

"And, of course, as often happens, when protective measures that have stemmed transmission are lifted, cases may start to rise again, exacerbating the already significant pressure on the NHS.

"This is why Cabinet took the decision this morning to retain for at least a further 3 weeks, the current baseline measures.

"These are the Covid certification scheme, and the following requirements - to collect customer contact details in settings such as hospitality, to wear face coverings in many indoor public places, and for businesses and service providers to have regard to guidance and take all reasonably practicable steps to minimise the incidence and spread of infection on their premises."

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