Following the First Minister’s recent update to Scottish Parliament which included changes to self-isolation periods effective as of midnight 6th January 2022, here is a summary of the changes:
Positive cases are advised to self-isolate for 10 days. However, if the individual returns two consecutive negative LFD tests taken at least 24 hours apart with the first test no earlier than day 6 they may end isolation before the end of the 10 day period if they have no fever.
Close contacts who are fully vaccinated, having received 3 doses of the vaccination (plus 14 days) or are aged under 18 years and 4 months, can take daily LFD tests for 7 days instead of isolation – provided the tests are negative and they remain without symptoms. If someone has not received 3 doses of the vaccination, they will need to book a PCR test and even if this is a negative result, they will need to isolate for 10 days.
Advice on confirmatory PCR tests Where people test positive on a lateral flow device (LFD) test they are now not advised to get a PCR test to confirm infection, but to follow isolation advice as it applies to them as a positive case (see positive case point) – there is an exception for people who may be eligible for the Self-Isolation Support Grant who are advised to take a PCR test to ensure they can confirm their infection to be potentially eligible for financial support.
