First Minister tests positive for Covid
Nicola Sturgeon says she has mild symptoms and will work from home
Last updated 20th May 2022
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced she's tested positive for Covid-19 hours after she met Sinn Fein vice president and first minister designate of Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neill at Bute House
Ms Sturgeon tweeted: Unfortunately I’ve tested positive for Covid this evening after experiencing mild symptoms. In line with @scotgov guidance, I’ll work from home over next few days, and hopefully be back out and about later next week.
American visit
This week the First Minister returned from a five day trip to the United States to promote Scotland.
During the visit she spent two days in Washington DC which included speaking at the Brooking Institute think tank and meeting congressional groups including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
On Thursday she was at the Scottish Parliament to answer First Minister's Questions as part of her usual weekly schedule.
Sinn Fein's O'Neill is negative
Sinn Fein confirmed that Ms O'Neill had tested negative following the meeting.
A spokesperson for the party said: "Michelle O'Neill has tested negative for Covid-19 this evening following her meeting with Nicola Sturgeon today, but will also be testing tomorrow as a precaution.
"She will also be limiting her contacts in the coming days. We wish Nicola Sturgeon a speedy recovery."
Get well messages
SNP colleagues including Westminster leader Ian Blackford sent get-well wishes.
MP for Glasgow North East Anne McLaughlin and Minister for Women's Health Maree Todd wished her a speedy recovery.
Ms McLaughlin said: "This is just to get out of making me coffee, isn't it?"
Covid cases falling
Ms Sturgeon's positive infection comes as Covid cases in Scotland continue to fall. The Office for National Statistics estimated 122,000 people had Covid in the week ending May 13.
It is the eighth weekly consecutive drop and the lowest number of cases since before Christmas when cases rose due to the Omicron variant spreading.
Public health restrictions such as social distancing and wearing face masks have been lifted and as of May 1 guidance for those experiencing symptoms of Covid was to stay at home.
For those too unwell to do "normal activities", the advice is to stay at home until they feel better.
Scotland's largest health board NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde confirmed they would lift Covid restrictions on Friday.
As of Monday May 23, patients will be allowed a maximum of two interchangeable visitors and social distancing will be scrapped.