Nicola Sturgeon has pushed back a final decision on cutting the covid self-isolation period amid concerns about crippling staff absences.
The First Minister said she hoped any decision on reducing the ten day quarantine period will be taken in the next week.
The ten day rule for people who test positive for covid and their household contacts was introduced in response to spiralling Omicron infection levels.
However, the policy has led to high staff absences in the NHS and the private sector.
Business groups had been hoping for imminent changes, but it is understood the First Minister has put off a final decision until next week.
In a virtual statement to MSPs, she said: “I indicated last week that we were weighing the risks and benefits of shortening the isolation period for index cases, and also potentially easing the requirement for all household contacts to isolate following a positive case.
“These are finely balanced judgments and we are considering the current trends in infection carefully. However, I confirm that we hope to reach decisions in the next week with any changes taking effect from the 5th January.”
She added: “In the meantime we have introduced a sectoral exemption scheme, subject to appropriate protections.
“And I can confirm today a further change that will help ensure that the exemption scheme - which is dependent on speedy turnaround of PCR tests - is effective.”
Deputy First Minister John Swinney told the BBC this morning the Government was giving “active consideration” to reducing the number of days people with covid had to stay in.
The Government recently introduced new restrictions for larger events, including a 500 person limit at outdoor events like football matches.
Physical distancing and table service rules were also brought in for pubs and restaurants.
Almost 30,000 new coronavirus cases were provisionally recorded north of the border over the Christmas weekend.
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2021-12-29 13:56:15Z
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