Thread by @theSNP

📺 Watch @NicolaSturgeon's live parliamentary statement on the latest COVID updates.

👇 Tune in now on scottishparliament.tv or on the BBC Scotland channel.

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "I will give an update on the latest Covid situation, and provide an assessment of the current course of the pandemic.

First though, today’s statistics."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "2,771 positive cases were reported yesterday – 12.8% of all tests carried out.

779 people are in hospital with Covid – 8 more than yesterday.

And 57 people are in intensive care, which is the same as yesterday."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Sadly, a further 17 deaths have been reported in the past 24 hours, which takes the total number of deaths registered under the daily definition, to 9,406.

I want once again to send my condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "More positively, the vaccination programme continues to make good progress.

I can confirm that 4,331,574 people have received a first dose and 3,930,317 have had both doses."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "In total, 88% of all those over 18 are now fully vaccinated with two doses.

In addition, 76% of 16 and 17 year olds, and 56% of 12 to 15 year olds, have had a first dose.

Until now, only a single dose has been recommended for these age groups."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "However, following yesterday’s updated advice from the JCVI, we are now preparing to offer second doses to 16 & 17 year olds.

I will say more about the progress of the booster programme later."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "It is worth pointing out that on first, second, booster and third doses, Scotland is currently the most vaccinated part of the UK."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "That is down to the incredible hard work of everyone involved in organising and delivering the programme and I want to record my thanks to each and every one of them."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Today’s weekly update coincides with the latest three-week review point for the remaining Covid regulations.

And so I can confirm that at our meeting earlier today the Cabinet agreed to keep the current regulations in place, with no immediate changes."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "However, we also considered - though we have not yet reached final decisions on - the possibility of future changes to the Covid certification scheme and I will say more about that shortly."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "The numbers reported in recent days here in Scotland - which I’ll come on to talk about - illustrate the need for continued precautions.

So too does the challenging situation being experienced again across Europe."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Several European countries are currently dealing with a sharp increase in cases.

Infection rates in Germany have reached their highest level since the pandemic started. The Netherlands reintroduced some Covid measures last week, and Ireland has done so today."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "And Austria has just introduced extremely tough restrictions on people who aren’t fully vaccinated.

All of this is a reminder that governments everywhere are grappling with the same issues and dilemmas we are."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "The threats posed by Covid are still with us - even though they have been mitigated by vaccination - and the race between the virus and the vaccines has not yet been won.

The situation in Scotland also bears that out."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Before I give an update on the overall trends in Scotland, I will say a few words about the impact of recent events in Glasgow.

I will reflect more generally on COP26 in a further statement to parliament later today."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "However, while we can’t yet draw final conclusions, I can confirm that there is no sign so far of any significant spike in cases associated with COP26."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Rigorous measures were put in place to minimise the risks of Covid transmission.

For example anyone entering the main summit site - the Blue Zone - had to provide evidence of a negative lateral flow test result."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Information published earlier today by Public Health Scotland suggests that of the people officially affiliated with COP26, approximately 4 in every 1,000 tested positive for Covid through routine lateral flow testing."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "This contrasts to survey data for the Scottish population as a whole which suggests that last week 12 people in every 1,000 had Covid."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "In total, since 15 Oct, 291 people with Covid across Scotland reported attending a COP-related event – including satellite meetings and demonstrations, and the summit itself.

That represents less than 0.5% of all those who tested positive for Covid over the last month."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "All of this suggests that the mitigations put in place were effective.

I want to put on record my thanks to delegates for their compliance and indeed to everyone who worked so hard in the run up to and during COP26 to secure the safest possible environment."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "More generally across Scotland, we have seen a gradual increase in cases over the past two weeks – from just over 2,500 new cases a day, to approximately 3,000 cases a day.

It is important to note that this headline figure masks some distinct variations between age groups."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "For example, cases amongst under 60s increased by 14% during the last week.

Much of this increase was in people under 20.

By contrast, cases in the over 60 age group fell over the last week - by 11%."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "The decline in cases amongst older people may also explain why – despite an overall increase in cases - the numbers in hospital with Covid have reduced slightly in recent weeks."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Three weeks ago, 917 patients were in hospital with Covid.

Today, there are 779.

The number of people in intensive care has fallen very slightly during that time – from 59 to 57."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "However the number of patients in hospital with Covid is still extremely high.

If cases continue to increase then, notwithstanding the age profile, we are likely to see hospital admissions and occupancy rise again."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "In addition, the NHS is currently treating people who are in hospital for care which was delayed by earlier Covid countermeasures.

And of course as we go further into winter, we can expect other seasonal pressures - for example, flu - to increase."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "All of this means that the NHS is under extreme pressure. We continue to work closely with health boards to address and mitigate those pressures.

The vaccination programme, of course, continues to be crucial in reducing the direct health harm caused by the virus."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "I mentioned a moment ago that the decline in Covid rates in older age groups – and the fall in hospital admissions - may well reflect the impact of the vaccine booster campaign."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "I can confirm that more than one million booster jags have now been administered.

Over 70% of over 70s have now had a booster."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "We know that a booster jag significantly increases the effectiveness of the vaccine – so this high level of uptake is extremely important, and we will continue to push it up as far as possible."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Everyone aged 50-59 - together with unpaid carers and household contacts of the immunosuppressed, and anyone eligible for a vaccine who has not yet had an appointment - can now book online at NHS Inform."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Since yesterday morning, more than 54,000 people have made online bookings.

And more than 8,000 people have made bookings through the national helpline, which can be called on 0800 030 8013."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "It is important to remember that boosters can only be given 24 weeks after the 2nd jab.

Therefore, for many in the 50 to 59 age group, appointments will only be possible from December onwards."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "It is also worth noting that people living in Orkney, Shetland, the Western Isles and the NHS Highland health board area will not use the online booking system, but instead receive information direct from their health board about local appointment arrangements."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "As I mentioned earlier, the JCVI updated its advice yesterday.

In addition to recommending second doses for 16 & 17 year olds, it also recommended booster jags for people in their 40s."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "I welcome this, and the Scottish Government will move to implement this new advice as quickly as we can.

We continue to work with health boards to ensure that the overall programme is delivered as rapidly as possible."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "However, it is worth taking stock of the situation as of now.

This winter vaccination programme is the largest and most complex ever undertaken in Scotland.

However, since the first week in September, more than 3 million flu and booster jags have now been administered."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Take up rates have been encouraging. And this is providing vital protection as we head into winter.

So, once again, I am hugely grateful to everyone helping get jags into people’s arms as quickly as possible."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "And I urge every single person who is eligible for vaccination - whether for a first or second jag, or a booster or 3rd jag - to take up the offer without delay.

And get the flu jag too if eligible."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Getting vaccinated remains the single most important thing any of us can do to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities.

It is impossible to overstate how important it is to get vaccinated - so if you haven’t already, please do so now."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "You could be saving your own life or the lives of your loved ones.

You will be reassuring others, including those most at risk – some of whom have clinical conditions which mean that they cannot get vaccinated themselves."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "You will be helping those working in the NHS.

And you will be maximising our chances of getting through this winter without the need to re-introduce any restrictions."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Choosing, without good reason, not to be vaccinated is deeply irresponsible.

Getting vaccinated, on the other hand, is a civic duty and the most precious gift we can give to others."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "The vaccine programme is the bedrock of our efforts to control Covid.

However, other baseline mitigations remain in place, and they are also important."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Lateral flow testing, as I mentioned earlier, appears to have been effective in limiting transmission during COP.

That should remind all of us that these tests are an important way of detecting infection in those without symptoms and therefore preventing onward spread."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "So I would again encourage everyone to do a lateral flow test at least twice a week - and especially if you are attending events or mixing with people in other households.

The tests can be ordered free through NHS Inform, or collected from test sites and local pharmacies."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Face coverings continue to be a simple and important mitigation - and remain a legal requirement on public transport, in shops and when moving around in hospitality settings."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Please also continue to work from home when that is practical.

I am today asking all employers to look again at whether more workers could be supported to do more work from home.

Lastly, good ventilation is vital - open a window to let some air flow through the room."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Within the public sector we have taken significant steps to improve ventilation – for example funding for carbon dioxide monitors in schools.

And in September we announced the establishment of a £25 million fund to help businesses improve ventilation."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "This fund opens for applications next week.

Businesses such as restaurants, bars and gyms will be able to claim back costs of up to £2,500 for measures like the installation of carbon dioxide monitors or improvements to windows and vents."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "More information on eligibility has been published on the Find Business Support website.

All of these basic mitigation measures are important at this stage. But some of them are also valuable long-term investments."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "For example, better ventilation won’t just reduce the spread of Covid - it will also help reduce the spread of other airborne viruses, now and in the future."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "When we talk - as many do these days - about ‘living with COVID’, it is important that we don’t think of it as simply giving in to the virus.

Instead, it is about making sensible changes that allow us to return to greater normality and better health."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "The final mitigation measure I want to talk about today is the Covid certification scheme.

It is the strong view of the Scottish Government that this, together with other measures still in place, makes an important and proportionate contribution to stemming transmission."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "The value of certification is also recognised in other countries, many of which require certification for access to a much wider range of services than is currently the case in Scotland."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Wales, for example, expanded the scope of its scheme yesterday.

It now applies to theatres, cinemas and concert halls, in addition to the same range of venues as in Scotland."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "The Cabinet discussed possible changes to the current certification scheme at our meeting this morning.

We will take a final decision next Tuesday in light of the most up to date data."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Later this week we will publish an evidence paper and consult businesses on the practicalities of implementation should changes be made.

However, while final decisions have not yet been reached, I want to provide an update on the issues under consideration."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "I should also say that we would provisionally intend for any changes we do decide on to the scheme to take effect from December 6."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "When the scheme launched on 1 October, we judged that it was not appropriate at that time - given the imperative to drive up vaccination rates - to include testing as an alternative to proof of vaccination.

But we indicated that this would be kept under review."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "We will be assessing in the coming days whether we are now in a position to amend the scheme so that in addition to showing evidence of vaccination to access a venue, there will also be the option of providing evidence of a recent negative test result."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "This is already a feature of many other countries’ certification schemes.

We are also considering whether an expansion of the scheme to cover more settings would be justified and prudent given the current state of the pandemic."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Again, let me stress that we have not at this stage taken a decision to extend the reach of the scheme."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "However, to allow us to engage openly with businesses in the coming days about the pros, cons and practicalities, I can confirm that the kinds of settings that might be in scope would be indoor cinemas, theatres, and some other licensed and hospitality premises."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "We would, of course, retain exemptions for those under 18, for those who cannot be vaccinated or tested for medical reasons, for people on clinical trials, and for those who work at events or in venues subject to the scheme."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "I will give a further update on this in next week’s statement.

And if we decide to propose any amendments to the regulations on certification, Parliament will have the opportunity to discuss and debate those amendments."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "I am acutely aware that many businesses want us to remove mitigations - including certification - not extend or tighten them."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "I understand that. But all of our decisions are motivated by a desire to get through what will be a challenging winter without having to re-introduce any restrictions on trade."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "We want if possible businesses to stay fully open over Christmas and through the winter, while also keeping Covid under control.

If an expansion of Covid certification can help us do that, it would be irresponsible not to consider it."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "As this detail of this statement makes clear – and as the situation across Europe also shows – the need to carefully manage this pandemic still deprives us of easy options."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "While we hope very much to get through winter without re-introducing any further restrictions, as some other countries are now starting to do, we have a duty to keep proportionate options under review and we will do so."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "To assist with and give an insight into the factors guiding our considerations, we are publishing an updated strategic framework today.

This covers in more detail many of the issues I have summarised today."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "One of the points it will reiterate is that all of us across society - individuals, businesses and other organisations - must continue to play our part in helping curb the spread of the virus."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "For that reason, Cabinet Secretaries are continuing to work with COSLA, individual local authorities and businesses on the actions we need to take to reduce transmission – preferably without additional restrictions."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "And I will close by reiterating what we can all do to protect ourselves and each other.

First, please do get vaccinated if you are eligible and haven’t yet done so. As I mentioned earlier, that includes going for a booster jag when you are invited."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "It is never too late to get vaccinated.

And it remains the single most important thing any of us can do to curb the spread of the virus."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Second, please test regularly with lateral flow devices.

These can be ordered through the NHS Inform website, or collected from a local test site or pharmacy."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "If you test positive, or are identified as a close contact, or have symptoms of the virus, please self-isolate and book a PCR test.

And third, please comply with the mitigations still in place."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Work from home when that is possible, and wear face coverings in indoor public places - such as shops and public transport and when moving about in hospitality settings."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Wash hands and surfaces thoroughly.

Meet outdoors if you can. I know that this gets harder and harder through the winter - but outdoor environments are safer.

And when you are meeting indoors, open windows – anything to improve ventilation will help."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "All of these precautions do still make a difference. They will protect us and those around us, and they will help to ease the burden on our NHS.

So please – stick with them. Thank you."