THE 10-day self-isolation rule is still currently under review in Scotland with ministers expected to provide an update in the New Year. 

Nicola Sturgeon was pressed on the matter today in Holyrood shortly after England shortened the isolation period to seven days. 

The First Minister said if people are released from isolation while they are still infectious, it could add pressure to the economy and the NHS in the medium to long term.

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said his party wants to see a change on the isolation rule similar to England's new policy. 

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon update: No change to current Covid rules as Omicron accelerates through Scotland

It would mean that the isolation period is reduced to seven days if people can produce a negative test.

Describing it as “one of the most important and actually one of the most difficult decisions we will take”, Ms Sturgeon said she was being responsible by considering any changes to self-isolation rules in depth.

She added: “We are still taking a few more days because we have a very rapidly rising number of cases right now which is both a reason to do this, but also a reason to be cautious about doing it.”

Meanwhile, no decision has been reached on whether to exempt or shorten isolation requirements for key workers in “critical services”.

Ms Sturgeon said ministers “hope to reach decisions in the next week with any changes taking effect from January 5”.