Scottish minister tests positive for Covid days after COP 26 address

A Scottish Government minister is isolating after testing positive for Covid-19 two days after speaking at COP 26.

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

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

The positive result comes days after Mr Lochhead visited the COP 26 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.

Richard Lochhead, the minister for just transition, employment and fair work has tested positive

Mr 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 COP 26 on Tuesday after being alerted by the app.