Nicola Sturgeon to give covid update to MSPs – what to expect and where to watch

Nicola Sturgeon is to address Parliament with an update on the situation with covid as the omicron variant continues to sweep across the country.

The First Minister will give a statement to MSPs in a virtual sitting beginning from 2pm.

It comes after Scotland yesterday reported its second-highest number of new coronavirus infections, with figures released showing 17,259 new case – although the latest figure is almost 3,000 behind the previous day's record number of cases.

Patients in hospital with coronavirus have risen by 116 to a record high of 1,147, including 42 patients in intensive care - an increase of three.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to give covid update (Scottish Government)

What is the First Minister likely to discuss?

Nicola Sturgeon will give an update on the daily covid figures and any changes to current measures.

Scots will be particularly keen to hear whether the length of time needed for self-isolation will be cut in line with the other nations of the UK.

The First Minister faces calls for the period to be cut from 10 to seven days, if two negative tests are returned in the final two days, and for household contacts to be allowed to leave isolation if they test negative.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said on Tuesday that the Government is still "actively considering" the move, adding that the First Minister will provide "further details" today on the changes - which have been made by Wales and Northern Ireland in the past week.

Ms Sturgeon will speak for around 20 minutes then take questions from MSPs for about 55 minutes.

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar will have the opportunity to quiz the First Minister on her statement.

Backbench MSPs will also get the chance to ask Sturgeon questions on behalf of their constituents.

Where and when to watch the statement

Nicola Sturgeon will be giving a virtual update to the Scottish Parliament at 2pm. You can watch the update on Scottish Parliament TV or through a stream on the Scottish Government social media.

Follow the First Minister's announcement LIVE as it happens today.