Public health minister tests positive for COVID

Scotland’s public health minister has tested positive for COVID-19.

Maree Todd is now self-isolating with her family at her home in Strathpeffer.

The minister announced the test result on Twitter on Tuesday evening.

She said: “I’ve received a positive COVID test result today. No symptoms but am obviously self-isolating with my family now.

“I also want to say thanks to the testing staff and the contact tracers for their work. They are on the frontline and are magnificent. Thank you all.”

Scotland’s case numbers have been rising sharply in recent weeks as public health restrictions have eased.

However, the First Minister said yesterday the government was still planning to further ease restrictions on 19 July despite high case numbers because the link between that and people getting seriously ill had been broken by the vaccine.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Sorry to hear my friend and colleague Maree Todd has tested positive for COVID. Best wishes for a speedy recovery for her and her family.”