Thread by @theSNP

📺 Watch First Minister @NicolaSturgeon's statement on the latest COVID updates in Scotland.

⏰ Tune in from 2:20pm on scottishparliament.tv, or follow this thread for live updates.

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Today, as usual, I will report on the current course of the pandemic.

I will set out the latest data and outline some further changes that we intend to make in the period ahead."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "These will include an update to the guidance on working from home, and a change to requirements for overseas travel."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "And finally, I will summarise what we can all continue to do in the immediate future to keep cases on a downward trend, and reduce pressure on the NHS and economy."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "First, though, today’s statistics.

8,022 positive cases were reported yesterday through PCR and lateral flow tests.

1,392 people are in hospital with Covid - 43 fewer than yesterday."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "49 people are in intensive care - 4 fewer than yesterday. This figure includes 15 patients who have been in ICU for more than 28 days."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Sadly, a further 23 deaths have been reported, taking the total number of deaths under the daily definition to 10,222.

Once again, my condolences go to everyone mourning a loved one."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Although cases remain high – as in many countries around the world – the data from the past week paints another broadly positive picture."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "In the 7 days prior to last Tuesday’s statement, almost 70,000 positive cases were identified through PCR and lateral flow testing – just under 10,000 a day."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "In the most recent 7 days, however, there have been just over 50,000 cases – slightly more than 7,000 a day.

So, reported cases have fallen by just over a quarter."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "There have been significant reductions in every age group, except the under 15s - in this younger age group, cases have increased by 41%."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "This will, at least to some extent, reflect the impact of the return to school. We will continue to monitor cases in this age group closely."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "The weekly survey data from the Office of National Statistics, though less up-to-date than our case numbers, nevertheless indicates a similar trend.

According to ONS, in the week to 15 January, the percentage of people in Scotland infected with the virus declined."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "As we would have expected, the decline in new cases is now reflected in a fall in the number of people being admitted to hospital with Covid.

In the week to 14 January, 1026 patients with Covid were admitted. In the following week this fell to 704."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Hospital occupancy has also fallen. Last week, a total of 1,546 people were in hospital with Covid - today, it is 1,392.

And the number of people with Covid in intensive care has reduced too - from 59 this time last week, to 49 today."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "This significantly improved situation gave us the confidence yesterday to lift most of the remaining protective measures that were introduced before Christmas in response to Omicron."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "I will have a little more to say about Covid statistics before I finish but, following the lifting of restrictions on outdoor events last week, yesterday marked a significant return to normality with the lifting of all of the following measures..."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "...limits on attendance at indoor public events; nightclub closures, the requirement for 1 metre physical distancing between groups in hospitality and indoor leisure premises..."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "...the requirement for table service in hospitality venues serving alcohol on the premises, and the guidance against adult indoor non-professional contact sport."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "On Thursday last week, we also confirmed changes to our recommendations on self-isolation for people in care homes, and lifted the recommended limit on the number of households able to visit care home residents."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Visits from loved ones are hugely important for the wellbeing of residents, and we expect care homes and local health protection teams to support visits other than in genuinely exceptional circumstances."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "The welcome progress of the past week or so has been made possible by a combination of booster vaccination, the proportionate measures introduced in December, and of course the willingness of the public to adapt behaviour to stem transmission."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "This progress is real and I am hopeful it can be sustained.

That said, we know there are uncertainties still ahead and the virus continues to be unpredictable."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "All of this means that while our return to more normality can be made with confidence, we should still exercise some caution.

I will return to that point in a moment."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "But, firstly, I can confirm that on the strength of the latest data, Cabinet concluded this morning that some further easing of measures is possible."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Firstly, as indicated last week, the current guidance on working from home - strengthened in response to Omicron - will be now be updated.

Instead of recommending home working whenever practical, the new guidance will pave the way for a phased return to the office."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "It will recommend that, from Monday 31 January, employers should consider implementing hybrid working – following appropriate guidance - with workers spending some time in the office and some time at home."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "We would not expect to see a wholesale return to the office next week – indeed, given that the level of infection, though falling, remains high, a mass return at this stage is likely to set progress back."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "But we know there are many benefits to both employees and employers, and to the economy as a whole, in at least a partial return to the office at this stage.

Indeed, many businesses successfully implemented hybrid working last autumn."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "And so, as part of a phased return to the office, we will again encourage employers to consider hybrid working, and look to them to determine how best to manage this transition in consultation with workers and trade unions."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "I can confirm two further changes.

In December, in response to Omicron, a requirement for 2 metre physical distancing was introduced for indoor settings where people have a specific exemption from the need to wear a face covering."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "From Friday, in light of the improving situation, this requirement will revert to 1 metre."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "And secondly, there will be a change to the guidance on organised activities for children.

This currently states that adults attending such activities should wear face coverings when indoors, unless they are leading the activity."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "However, from Friday, face coverings will no longer be required for any adult taking part in organised activities when they are directly interacting with children under the age of 5."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "This change will bring the guidance for indoor activities into line with that for early learning and childcare settings, and be of benefit to younger children and those working with them."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "We are not, at this stage, recommending any immediate change to the Reducing Risks in Schools guidance.

However, this is being kept under close and regular review for schools and the early learning and childcare sector."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "The Advisory Sub-Group on Education is meeting again today.

We will consider carefully any recommendations it makes, and continue to seek its advice on issues such as groupings within schools, and the requirement for secondary school pupils to wear face coverings."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "On face coverings, I know young people want to see the back of them as soon as possible.

But I also know that many young people understand and agree - especially when cases in the younger age group are rising - that face coverings do provide important protection."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Finally, further changes to international travel requirements were agreed yesterday by all four UK governments."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "As a result, from Friday 11 February, fully vaccinated travellers will no longer need to take a test after they arrive in Scotland – though they will still be required to complete a passenger locator form."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Travellers to Scotland who are not fully vaccinated will still be required to take a pre-departure test no more than 2 days before they board their plane - and also have to take a PCR test on or before day 2 of their arrival here."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "For international travel purposes, people are deemed to be fully vaccinated if they have completed at least a primary course of vaccination – for most people, that means at least 2 doses."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "This international definition, which doesn’t currently require booster or third vaccines, will be kept under review."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "The four UK governments also agreed to work on a new surveillance system to identify any future variants of concern."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "The Scottish Government would have preferred this system to be in place before removing the need for vaccinated people to take tests – however, as we have done in the past, we recognise the wider benefits of adopting a common approach where possible."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "While these changes will be very welcome to travellers and the travel industry, it is important to point out that no government can completely rule out having to tighten travel requirements again if certain circumstances - like another new variant - were to arise."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "But for now - and hopefully for the long term - it is really positive that these measures can be lifted.

It opens the way for family reunions, the prospect again of holidays overseas and, of course, much needed support for the travel sector."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "I am hugely grateful to everyone who has complied with the tighter protective measures that have been in force over the last month or so."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Our collective efforts have made a huge difference.

I know that many people now, and rightly so, will be looking forward to getting back to concerts, shows, sporting occasions and other events."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Whatever it is you are looking forward to doing again, enjoy it.

And also know that in the process of enjoying it, you will be supporting businesses and organisations that have been through the mill."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "However, to make sure we sustain our progress, please continue to exercise appropriate care and caution.

The level of infection, though declining overall, is still high, with around 7,000 cases a day being confirmed just now."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Indeed, the decline may be starting to plateau and, as I reported earlier, cases in under 15s are actually rising.

Also, hundreds of people with Covid are still being admitted to hospital each week, which means the NHS is still under immense pressure."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "And we know that - however welcome - any lifting of protective measures that have helped stem transmission, can lead to an uptick of cases in the weeks that follow.

So all this demands a degree of continued caution, even as we enjoy a return to pre-Omicron normality."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "So, for the rest of the month, even though there are no longer any recommended upper limits, try to keep indoor social gatherings as small as circumstances allow.

And please continue to comply with all the baseline protective measures."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Continuing, for example, to wear face coverings indoors, and on public transport, can help all of us to stay safe while we travel and meet up more.

So will taking lateral flow tests before meeting up with others - please continue to do this."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "All of these basic measures help us protect each other, while getting on with our daily lives.

And they are especially important for the protection of those at highest clinical risk from Covid."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "This week marks the introduction of a further initiative designed to help people who need extra support to get out and about with more confidence.

The Distance Aware scheme is intended to help people who might be worried about going out."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Badges and lanyards with the Distance Aware logo will be available to anyone who wants one, and will indicate to other people that the person wearing the logo would like a bit of extra space, and a bit more care taken around them."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "The badges and lanyards are available – free – at mobile and community libraries across Scotland this week, and badges are also available in most ASDA supermarkets.

They are also available online from some participating charities."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "So if you or anyone you know is worried about being out, and would feel safer with bit more space, please get a Distance Aware badge.

And for everyone else, if you see someone wearing the badge or lanyard, give them the space and consideration that they are asking for."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Finally, let me stress that vaccination continues to be the cornerstone of our battle against Covid.

The very high vaccination rates achieved so far have helped us considerably on our path back to normality."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "From this week, 5 to 11 year olds with specific medical conditions are being invited for vaccine appointments.

Parents and carers will either receive a letter inviting them to call the national phone line, or a letter directly from their local health board."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "The types of medical conditions which make children eligible for the vaccine are set out at NHS Inform, and a leaflet will be made available with answers to questions that parents and carers might have."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "There is also a self-help guide on the NHS inform website which young people, parents and carers can use to check eligibility for the vaccine.

In addition, reminder letters have been sent to 12-17 year olds who are yet to complete their primary course of two doses."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "And we are preparing to send scheduled appointments for February to any remaining 18-59 year olds who are yet to be boosted.

16-17 year olds can also book boosters as soon as they approach 12 weeks from a second dose."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Hospital data shows – even when adjusted for age - that someone not fully vaccinated is considerably more likely to require hospital treatment than someone who has had a booster or third dose."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Being fully vaccinated is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself, others and the NHS."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "We are continuing to consider the adaptations that might be necessary in future to manage the virus less restrictively.

We will consult on and publish our updated Strategic Framework in the coming weeks."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "In doing so, we will take account of the developing international evidence, as well as the data here."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "I was struck by the remarks made by the head of the World Health Organisation yesterday.

He said - and I quote - 'learning to live with Covid cannot mean that we give this virus a free ride'".

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "On that point, I want to address directly a claim made in recent weeks by some opposition members, to the effect that the protective measures here introduced in response to Omicron were unnecessary..."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "...and that data shows that Scotland’s more cautious approach achieved no more than England’s less protective approach."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "In response, I told Parliament last week that – and I quote - 'The ONS figures this week show that infection levels in England are over 20 per cent higher than those in Scotland'".

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Willie Rennie issued a furious press release on the back of this, saying that I had ‘twisted’ the data. He also reported me to the impartial Chair of the UK Statistics Authority.

I am pleased to say that he has now written back to Mr Rennie."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Oddly, as far as I am aware, Mr Rennie has not press released the reply.

Sir David Norgrove, the Chair of the UK Statistics Authority says in his reply that I 'correctly stated that the figure for England was more than 20 per cent higher than the figure for Scotland.'".

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "But he goes further than that.

While acknowledging that there are other equally accurate ways to cite the statistics he concludes as follows: 'the data does suggest that the rate of infection is lower in Scotland than in England'."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "To me what matters is that Scotland is doing better now than we were before Christmas, and better than we might have been had we not taken action to stem transmission."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "How we are faring relative to England is not, in my view, the key comparison."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "But given that others have sought to draw that comparison in an attempt to undermine confidence in the Scottish Government’s decisions, I hope all members will now accept the conclusion of the Chair of the UK Statistics Authority that the data I cited was accurate."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "At this stage, as protective measures ease, and we head into spring, there are good grounds to be optimistic that we are again on the cusp of a calmer phase of the pandemic."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "We can all help ensure that the waters remain calm by taking the sensible steps we know help stem transmission.

First, get fully vaccinated as soon as you can."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Second, continue to take care when socialising.

We are no longer suggesting a limit for the number of households who meet indoors, but for the rest of this month try to limit as far as you can the size of any indoor gatherings that you do have."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "And take a lateral flow test before you go - every time.

Finally, please take the other precautions that we know make a difference."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Keep windows open indoors.

Continue to work from home for now - but talk to your employer about a return to hybrid working from the start of next month.

Wear a face covering on public transport, in shops, and when moving about in hospitality."

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "These measures are making a difference.

So please stick with them to protect yourself, others and the NHS."