Nicola Sturgeon gave her first Covid update in two weeks today ahead of COP26 in Glasgow. 

It follows a two-week recess from Parliament during which MSPs are not required to attend Holyrood.

The climate conference, which will start on Sunday, has attracted mixed reaction following suggestions by Scottish government advisor Devi Sridhar that it could lead to a rise in Covid cases and further restrictions. 

The First Minister addressed these claims in today's speech, however did not rule out the introduction of further restrictions. 

COP26 comes after a plateau in case rates in Scotland in recent weeks, as well as the introduction of the vaccine passport scheme and the rollout of the booster scheme. 

As Scotland prepares to host thousands of delegates, world leaders and heads of state, here's what we learned from Nicola Sturgeon's Covid update today...

1. People travelling to Scotland from Sunday can provide a lateral flow test instead of a PCR test

From Sunday, people travelling to Scotland will only need to provide a lateral flow test instead of a PCR test by day two of their arrival. 

These tests cost much less than PCR tests, at around £20-30 per test. 

This move is in line with the measures from the UK government. 

2. No immediate changes to current mitigations 

The First Minister confirmed there would be no "immediate" changes to the current mitigations in place. 

This means that no more restrictions are currently being introduced, however it also means that the measures still in place, such as mask wearing, will remain. 

Nicola Sturgeon said that although the situation has improved since August, it remains fragile as we move into the winter months, and therefore the reintroduction of measures in the future has not been ruled out.

3. Hospital admissions with Covid are high

Nicola Sturgeon said that hospital admissions had increased last week, with more than 600 people per week being admitted to hospitals with Covid in Scotland. 

As a result, hospitals and the entire health system are under pressure and close to capacity in many cases. 

4. Scotland currently has lowest Covid rate of four UK nations

Scotland currently has lowest Covid rate of four UK nations, according to the First Minister. 

However, she added that cases are starting to creep up slightly and urged people not to become complacent, with NHS under pressure and hospital cases rising. 

Hospital cases are rising due to a slight spike in Covid among the older age groups, rather than the younger age groups as seen earlier in the summer. 

With case rates higher than the government would like, Nicola Sturgeon refreshed her urge to the public to stick to mitigation measures. 

5. More money to NHS

The First Minister announced an additional £482 million to be allocated to the NHS and integration authorities. 

This will target the Test and Protect system and the vaccination programme in particular.

6. Scottish government working with UN for COP mitigations

Delegates attending COP will have to adhere to certain guidelines, including taking daily lateral flow tests. 

Those travelling in Glasgow from outside Common Travel Area will also be required to provide proof of a negative test before arrival.