Nicola Sturgeon has urged Scots to proceed testing for covid twice per week whilst an infection ranges throughout the nation start to drop.
Entry to free lateral circulate exams (LFTs) might be withdrawn by the tip of April however the First Minister mentioned individuals couldn't be "complacent".
The variety of individuals testing optimistic for covid has soared over the past month however has not brought about a corresponding enhance in sufferers in hospital intensive care models.
Sturgeon informed MSPs: "The variety of individuals in hospital with Covid reported right now –2,344 – is 39 decrease than yesterday.
"However yesterday’s determine was the best it has been because the begin of the pandemic.
"So right now’s quantity remains to be exceptionally excessive, and considerably above the earlier peak of hospital circumstances, which was 2053 in January 2021.
"Extra positively - and once more that is proof of the ability of vaccination - the variety of sufferers in intensive care with Covid stays comparatively low – 26 on right now’s figures. That may be a fall of 15 within the final two weeks.
"Nonetheless, the amount of individuals in hospital with Covid is inflicting very important strain for a well being service that has been coping with the pandemic for greater than two years."
The First Minister continued: "Which means we can't be complacent.
"For the interval up till Easter we're persevering with to ask everybody to take a lateral circulate check twice per week, to take a check day by day for 7 days in case you are a detailed contact of a optimistic case, and to take a check earlier than visiting somebody who's susceptible.
"If in case you have signs, it is best to proceed to get a PCR check, both at a testing website or by submit."
Free entry to LFTs will finish on April 18 aside from these working in well being and social care and for individuals visiting susceptible people in care properties or hospital
These dwelling in shut contact with individuals who check optimistic may even be requested to proceed taking day by day LFTs for one week.
PCR testing websites will shut on or round April 30 and Scots who show signs will as a substitute be suggested to remain residence till they really feel higher.
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