Nicola Sturgeon OUT of self-isolation: First Minister tests negative for Covid after being pinged by a positive result for a close contact
Nicola Sturgeon has ended her self-isolation after testing negative for coronavirus, she revealed today.
The Scottish First Minister said she was 'relieved' by the result of a PCR test, which she had taken after being identified as a close contact of someone with the virus.
The double-vaccinated leader revealed last night that she had been contacted by contact tracers and warned that she would have to quarantine pending a test result.
Under coronavirus rules, double-vaccinated adults and all children can avoid self-isolation if they are a close contact of someone with coronavirus so long as they are symptomless and provide a negative PCR test.
The First Minister had her second dose of a coronavirus vaccine in June.
Ms Sturgeon tweeted this morning she was 'relieved to report that my PCR test is negative'.
She stated: 'Coupled with fact I'm double vaccinated - with second dose more than 2 weeks ago - that means I no longer need to isolate.'
However she said she would continue doing regular lateral flow tests as an 'added precaution' and urged others to do the same.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is self-isolating after coming into contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus, she has revealed on social media
It is not clear where Miss Sturgeon came into contact with a positive coronavirus case.
On Thursday she attended Edinburgh University's graduation celebration and on Wednesday she was at the Golden Jubilee Hospital with health secretary Humza Yousaf.
Today she was due to interview Shuggie Bain author Douglas Stuart at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
According to the event 'both author and interviewer are on stage in the venue'. It is unclear if the event will go-ahead.
Writing on Twitter last night, Miss 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 self-isolating pending a PCR test result. My thanks to all the contact tracers working so hard in NHS Test & Protect.'
Just hours before Miss Sturgeon's revelation, Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith said contact tracing teams had carried out 'exceptional work' under 'difficult circumstances' this weekend.
On Twitter, he said: 'Some exceptional work by contact tracing teams under very difficult circumstances today.
'Thank you to everyone involved. But it's frustrating & really disappointing to hear of increased aggressive behaviour & abuse to staff.
'Please be civil and patient with those trying to help..'