Nicola Sturgeon was back giving a Covid update today in Parliament after a two-week hiatus due to COP26 hosting duties.

In her absence over the past two Tuesdays, health secretary Humza Yousaf and deputy first minister John Swinney stepped in, with the latter warning last week that changes to the current rules could be on their way. 

Indeed, today not only marked the First Minister's return to the Covid briefings, but also the three-weekly review of the restrictions currently in place, when the government decides whether to adapt current measures. 

The past two days have seen a flurry of Covid related announcements; Boris Johnson gave a press briefing yesterday in which he refused to rule out the reintroduction of restrictions in England, and the vaccine booster scheme was extended to include 40-49-year-olds. 

Now in the aftermath of COP26, which experts warned could lead to a spike in cases, the Scottish government is considering implementing some changes to the current Covid measures in Scotland. 

Here's everything you need to know...

1. Current regulations remain in place with no changes

Today marked the three-week review of Covid rules, with the Scottish government deciding not to implement any changes at the moment. 

However, the First Minister did confirm they were considering making changes to the current rules on vaccine passports, with a decision due to come in the coming days. 

2. Vaccine passports in hospitality settings being considered

Last week deputy first minister John Swinney said the government was considering extending the use of vaccine passports to wider hospitality settings. 

Today, the First Minister confirmed that these changes were still under consideration. 

If such measures are introduced, it would mean people would require vaccine passports to visit venues such as indoor theatres, cinemas and some licensed hospitality venues, as well as nightclubs and large scale events.

Any changes would be introduced from December 6, according to the First Minister. 

2. COP26 did not lead to a significant rise in cases 

Despite experts warning before the climate conference that we could see Covid figures surge, this does not currently appear to be the case, according to the First Minister. 

She said that although we couldn't draw "final conclsuions" as of yet, "there is no sign so far of any significant spike in cases associated with COP26".

The First Minister also used the example of COP26 as a reason to use lateral flow tests, which she advised people took twice a week as well as reminding the public that these tests can be ordered online for free. 

3. 40-49-year-olds will be invited to book their booster jabs soon

Yesterday it was confirmed that people aged 40-49 in Scotland would be offered a Covid booster jab, after results found that a third dose significantly improved protection. 

On Monday, the online portal opened for over-50s in Scotland to book their booster jabs, with the First Minister confirming over-40s would be invited for their boosters once the top priority groups were vaccinated. 

Booster jabs can only be given 24-weeks or 6 months after receiving the second dose of the Covid jab.

4. Covid cases are rising slightly in Scotland

Despite COP26 not yet seeming to have a huge impact on figures in Scotland, the First Minister did confirm that Covid cases were rising slightly, with the daily average up to around 3,000. 

In the last 24 hours, 2,771 new cases of Covid were reported, while 779 people were in hospital and 57 in intensive care. 

A further 17 deaths were recorded. 

Speaking on these figures, the First Minister said: "The numbers reported in recent days here in Scotland - which I’ll come on to talk about - illustrate the need for continued precautions. So too does the challenging situation being experienced again across Europe." 

Drawing on infection rates in Germany and Austria among other European nations experiencing surging Covid numbers, Ms Sturgeon added: "All of this is a reminder that governments everywhere are grappling with the same issues and dilemmas we are."

5. Covid rates in older population declining

Covid case rates may be rising slightly, but they are decreasing amongst the older population. 

Infection rates in the 60+ age group are declining, which the first minister suggested was likely linked to the Covid booster jab, with 1 million third doses administered. 

6. Scotland most vaccinated area of UK

The First Minister added that Scotland was the most vaccinated nation in the UK, saying: "It is worth pointing out that on first, second, booster and third doses, Scotland is currently the most vaccinated part of the UK.

"That is down to the incredible hard work of everyone involved in organising and delivering the programme and I want to record my thanks to each and every one of them."