Free hotel accommodation will be offered to help Scots isolate under new “test and protect” plans to tackle coronavirus.
Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the support for those that need it after concerns the strict rules on isolation from family members will be unaffordable or “impossible”.
The Scottish Government is introducing changes from May 28 across all health boards.
Everyone aged over five who has symptoms of Covid-19 - such as new and continuous cough or temperature - will be able to book a test through the NHS.
People will be expected to isolate in their household as soon symptoms emerge. If they have a positive test, details will be expected to help the NHS trace any contacts. They will then be asked to isolate for two weeks.
Sturgeon was asked how the guidance can be followed during questions at the Scottish Parliament today.
Green party MSP Alison Johnstone said: “Imagine the difficulties faced by those who are not privileged.
“For the self-employed and those in precarious work, isolation may be unaffordable.
“For those who share their homes with families or others, isolation may be impossible. For the sole carer of a loved one, isolation may be heartbreaking.”
She asked: “Will accommodation like hotel rooms be offered free to those who need them?”
Sturgeon confirmed: “In short answer to that question - yes.”
Guidance for employers was issued yesterday and talks on sick pay changes are being held with the UK Government, where decisions have to be taken on most social security.
On support for those isolating, Sturgeon said: “That support will be provided largely using the kind of infrastructure we’ve put in place to give support to those in the shielded group.
“That could be support accessing food and medicine if there are no family members that are able to do that, or it could be, in extremis, support with alternative accommodation.
“It is absolutely the case that we will require to make sure that anybody who has been asked to go into a period of isolation for 14 days gets the support that they need to do it.”
