It has been almost a week since Nicola Sturgeon last delivered a Covid update amid the recent emergence of the Omicron variant.
Coronavirus case numbers in Scotland have soared since then, with the country recording more than 20,000 new daily infections on Monday.
The number of Scots currently in hospital following a positive Covid test has exceeded 1,000 for the first time since September 2021.
During the last Covid update, the First Minister hinted at a potential reduction in the 10 day self-isolation period amid concerns about crippling staff absences.
It is hoped that decision on this reduction could be made this week.
In a virtual statement to MSPs, Sturgeon 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 judgements 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 January 5.”
When will Nicola Sturgeon’s next Covid update be?
The First Minister will give a 20 minute statement on the latest Covid situation during a virtual session of the Scottish Parliament tomorrow - Wednesday, January 5.
Sturgeon will deliver the latest statistics on the coronavirus in Scotland and reveal if any further measures are required to halt the spread of Covid.
Alison Johnstone, the Presiding Officer at Holyrood, said that the session will begin at 2pm on Wednesday.
She tweeted: “Confirmed: Parliament will sit at 2pm on Wednesday 5 January.
“The meeting - for an update and questions on COVID - will be entirely virtual.”
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