Nicola Sturgeon tests positive for COVID | Politics News

Nicola Sturgeon has tested positive for coronavirus.

Scotland’s first minister said she had been experiencing mild symptoms on Friday evening and will continue to work from home for the next few days.

“Unfortunately I’ve tested positive for COVID this evening after experiencing mild symptoms,” she tweeted.

“In line with Scottish government guidance, I’ll work from home over next few days, and hopefully be back out and about later next week.”

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Ms Sturgeon met Sinn Fein vice president and first minister designate of Northern Ireland, Michelle O’Neill, at Bute House earlier on Friday.

Ms O’Neill later confirmed she had tested negative for COVID-19, following the meeting with Scotland’s first minister.

A Sinn Fein spokesperson said: “Michelle O’Neill has tested negative for COVID-19 this evening following her meeting with Nicola Sturgeon today, but will also be testing tomorrow as a precaution.

“She will also be limiting her contacts in the coming days. We wish Nicola Sturgeon a speedy recovery.”

Ms Sturgeon’s positive infection comes as COVID cases in Scotland continue to fall.

The Office for National Statistics estimated 122,000 people had COVID in the week ending 13 May.

It is the eighth weekly consecutive drop and the lowest number of cases since before Christmas when cases rose due to the Omicron variant spreading.

Public health restrictions such as social distancing and wearing face masks have been lifted and as of 1 May guidance for those experiencing symptoms of COVID was to stay at home.