Uncertainty still hangs over staff shortages as Perth and Kinross sees reduction in 10 day self-isolation period

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Time will tell as to whether the reduction in the 10 day COVID self-isolation period will successfully alleviate staff shortages in Perth and Kinross, according to the head of the region’s business network.

And Perth and Kinross Council has warned residents that its response times and services could be affected due to the rising number of cases.

People who test positive are now able to end self-isolation after seven days - if they have no fever and record two negative lateral flow tests.Most close contacts of positive COVID cases, including people in the same household, will no longer be required to self-isolate and will instead be able to take daily LFTs.However, close contacts over 18 years and four months who are not fully vaccinated will still be asked to self-isolate for 10 days and take a PCR test.People who receive a positive result from a lateral flow test will no longer need to take a PCR test to confirm the result.This applies only to those without symptoms.The first minister confirmed the moves during a virtual statement to parliament on Wednesday as Omicron cases continue to rise.The latest seven-day infection rate for the region has soared to 1781 cases per 100,000, according to Public Health Scotland.

Chief executive of Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Vicki Unite believes time will tell to see if the reduced isolation times will help staff shortages, while calling for further financial support. “All our businesses have sought from the word go is clarity and a clear path back to our economy functioning effectively again,” she said.“They appreciate we are living in unprecedented times, and a fluid situation, where decisions are made, depending on health statistics, which has become seemingly more complicated