Nicola Sturgeon announced changes to the Covid vaccine passport scheme during a speech at Holyrood today.
From last month, Scots have been required to show evidence they have had at least two doses of the coronavirus vaccine to gain entry into a number of ‘high risk’ venues or events.
These include large events such as concerts, football matches and nightclubs.
The scheme, which has been in place since last month, gives door staff the authority to refuse entry to those who are not fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
Scottish Government ministers and health officials hope that the measure will help prevent the spread of the virus and encourage more people to get the vaccine.
Recent figures released by Public Health Scotland show that almost 12 per cent of Scots aged 18 and over are yet to be fully vaccinated from the virus.
It was expected that the scheme would be extended to the likes of cinemas, theatres and hospitality venues.
But the First Minister announced that this will not happen ‘at this stage’ during a speech to MSPs at the Scottish Parliament.
Changes to Covid vaccine passport scheme from next month
The rules on the Covid vaccine certification scheme will change slightly from December 6.
Scots will be allowed to enter venues already covered by the scheme by showing a recent negative lateral flow test result, regardless of vaccination status.
Evidence of both jabs will still be accepted by door staff from this point.
Reasons for the change
Sturgeon hopes that the move will encourage people to use lateral flow tests more often to stop hospitals from being overwhelmed during the winter months.
Scots have also been urged to take the rapid tests before socialising with friends and family over the festive period.
The First Minister said: “This change makes it possible for people who cannot be vaccinated, or who are not yet fully protected, to make use of the scheme. That will I know be welcomed.
"The new rule will also, we hope, encourage the greater use of regular lateral flow testing and it will still meet our aim of reducing the risk of transmission, within higher risk venues.
“We encourage everyone to continue to test themselves regularly and particularly before you meet up with people from outside your household, whether you are meeting in your home or public place. If you test positive stay home, isolate and take a PCR test.
"Certification continues to have a role in helping us to increase vaccine uptake to reduce the risk of transmission of Coronavirus, to alleviate pressure on our health and care services and to allow higher risk settings to continue to operate.
"Our NHS is still under pressure. We need to consider any proportionate measures we can take so that Covid case numbers start to fall, rather than levelling off.”
