THE Scottish Conservatives have the Scottish Government's changes to changes to coronavirus self-isolation rules are a "cautious step in the right direction".
Key workers in critical roles will be able to avoid self-isolation after close contact with Covid-19 if they are fully vaccinated and tested daily.
The changes are being brought in help key industries cope with “significant” staff shortages.
The First Minister said the Scottish Government would now consider applications for exemptions from the requirement to stay at home for up to 10 days that results from being a close contact of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.
The change is aimed at allowing what are described as “essential staff in critical roles” to return to work to provide “lifeline services and critical national infrastructure”, the Scottish Government said.
Exemptions will only be granted to those who have had both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, if the second dose was administered at least two weeks ago. They will also require to have a negative PCR test and do daily lateral flow tests.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon sets out changes to isolation rules for 'limited' situations
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said: “This is cautious step in the right direction to help key industries keep Scotland moving. It is right Nicola Sturgeon has acted now, despite the SNP Government saying even last night that any changes would not be brought in until next month.
“However, many questions must be clarified by the SNP if these changes are to have the right effect. They must be clear on who exactly will qualify for an exemption and for how long an exemption will last for.
“There are also real concerns that the SNP are going to swamp businesses and individuals with layers of bureaucracy. The application process should be as smooth as possible at a time when businesses are already under huge pressure.
“Ministers must also tell the public if these limited changes now will have any effect on wider potential changes to self-isolation rules under the planned lifting of all restrictions next month.
“It is right we remain cautious when it comes to public health. However, SNP Ministers must ensure that every resource required will be made available to guarantee companies can operate as smoothly as possible as a result of these changes.”
Affected industries will have to apply to the Scottish Government for staff to be exempt from the mandatory quarantine rules and health and social care staff are not included in the change.
If the government deems a critical role can be exempt, the worker will still have to prove they have had two doses of coronavirus vaccine at least two weeks prior to any close contact, have a negative PCR test and agree to carry out lateral flow tests for 10 days after the contact.
The Scottish Government announcement states that exemptions will be made on a temporary basis and last only for as long as there is an immediate risk to business or service continuity.
Sturgeon said: “It is essential that lifeline services and critical national infrastructure are maintained and we are implementing these changes now – ahead of possible changes to self-isolation rules for close contacts that may apply more generally in future – to ensure staff shortages do not put key services at risk.
“We have seen significant staff shortages in a small number of organisations in recent days and we have worked with them to protect services.
“Applications for exemptions are being considered from today and we will consider applications as they come in.
“Clinical evidence tells us we can safely and effectively release some critical staff from self-isolation, with appropriate safeguards.
“However, this is a very limited change at this stage, to be applied on a case-by-case basis and only where absolutely necessary.
“We will not allow key services to be threatened by staff shortages, but equally we must continue to protect public health.”
READ MORE: Health board to 'prioritise urgent care for vulnerable' amid pandemic pressure
Some health boards have also said they are under pressure amid staff shortages partly due to the number of staff having to self-isolate.
If the government deems a critical role can be exempt, the worker will still have to prove they have had two doses of coronavirus vaccine at least two weeks prior to any close contact, have a negative PCR test and agree to carry out lateral flow tests for 10 days after the contact.
The Scottish Government announcement states that exemptions will be made on a temporary basis and last only for as long as there is an immediate risk to business or service continuity.
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