More than 700 traced through Scotland's Covid Test and Protect scheme

The First Minister’s revealed more than 700 people in Scotland have been told to self-isolate after being contacted through the Test and Protect scheme.

Speaking at First Minister’s Questions, Nicola Sturgeon said a total of 741 contacts have been traced between the programme being launched on May 28 and June 7.

In this period, 681 cases were reported when a person tested positive for Covid-19.

Contact tracing has been completed for 481 of these cases, with more ongoing.

The weekly figures, published for the first time on Wednesday, give an average of 1.5 contacts traced per positive case, which Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said reflects lockdown rules still in place.

The positive cases differs from the 333 people who tested positive in the same period as recorded in the Scottish Government's daily statistics, which Health Protection Scotland said will be the subject of “further exploratory work, including reporting the total number of positives cases though all testing channels”.

Under the Test and Protect scheme, anyone with Covid-19 symptoms is being asked to self-isolate and book a test, with contact tracing carried out following a positive result.

Those contacted are asked to isolate for 14 days and to book a test if they develop symptoms.

Ms Freeman said: “Since May 28, contact tracers across the country have followed up each new positive test to ensure those who may have come into contact with the virus take steps to isolate.

“By doing so, we can break the chains of transmission while slowly changing lockdown measures.

“The average number of people traced for each positive case reflects that we are still in phase one of lifting lockdown restrictions and people should not be mixing with large numbers of people outside of their own household.”

She added: “I would encourage anyone who has symptoms of Covid-19 to come forward as early as possible and get a test immediately to help us suppress the spread of the virus.

“Contact tracing is one part of our work to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Physical distancing and good hand and cough hygiene continues to play a vital role in helping to minimise the spread of infection.”

Tests can be booked through the NHS Inform website or by calling 0800 028 2816.

Hear all the latest news from the North East of Scotland on Northsound 1. Listen on FM, via our Rayo app, DAB, or smart speaker.