Scottish minister tests positive for Covid days after COP26 address

Richard Lochhead said he took a test after being alerted by the contract tracing app that he was a closed contact of a positive case.

Scottish minister tests positive for Covid days after COP26 address PA Media

A Scottish Government minister is isolating after testing positive for Covid-19 two days after speaking at COP26.

Richard Lochhead, the minister for just transition, employment and fair work, revealed he was alerted by the contact tracing app and subsequently recorded a positive PCR test.

Lochhead said he has no symptoms and will work from home while in isolation.

The positive result comes days after Lochhead visited the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow where he spoke alongside Canadian natural resources minister Jonathan Wilkinson, and another speech on Monday about Scotland’s transition to net-zero.

Lochhead tweeted: “I’ve received a positive PCR test after being alerted as a close contact by the app on my phone.

“I have no symptoms so far and am very relieved that I am double vaccinated. I’ll continue working remotely during self-isolation.

“Thank you to Scotland’s NHS.”

He also confirmed he cancelled a visit to COP26 on Tuesday after being alerted by the app.

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