Scotland's covid regulations could be set to change ahead of Christmas.
Nicola Sturgeon updated the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday on the current state of the pandemic and warned that tighter measures could be needed to control the virus as we go into winter.
The First Minister and the Cabinet are currently considering possible changes that would come into force on December 6, if approved.
Here are what changes could potentially lie ahead
The main change lined up is the expansion of the covid certification scheme.
Currently, proof of vaccination is only required for people over the age of 18 if they're entering nightclubs, unseated indoor events with more than 500 people, unseated outdoor events with more than 4,000 people and any event with more than 10,000 people in attendance.
The Scottish Government is currently considering extending this to include indoor cinemas, theatres, and some other licensed and hospitality premises like pubs and cafes.
Will covid testing be allowed as an alternative to vaccine proof?
The Scottish Government is actively considering allowing a negative covid test to be used as an alternative to proof that you've been double vaccinated. A decision on this is also expected next Tuesday.
Will there be any exemptions to the new rules?
Yes. There would be exemptions for those under 18; for those who cannot be vaccinated or tested for medical reasons; for people on clinical trials; and for those who work at events or in venues subject to the scheme. Exceptions would also be retained for worship, weddings, funerals, and related gatherings.
Why are the new measures being discussed?
Despite Scotland being the most vaccinated country in the UK, we are currently seeing an increase in cases and an 'extremely high' number of covid patients in hospital.
As we head into winter, the number of people in hospital is expected to continue to rise.
Nicola Sturgeon said that the numbers reported in recent days and the situation being experienced across Europe 'illustrate the need for continued precautions'.
However, the First Minister said she wants to keep businesses fully open over the festive period and into winter and is looking at ways to make this possible - the expansion of the covid certificate being one of them.
When will a decision be made?
A decision on the changes is expected to be made next week with any measures coming into force on December 6.
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