Due to increasing danger posed by the Omicron Covid-19 variant, new regulations in pubs, restaurants and shops came into force starting Friday.
Hospitality businesses must now enforce extra measures to try and minimise the spread of the strain - which is now the dominant one in Scotland.
Nicola Sturgeon urged the public to minimise social contact with other households before and after Christmas, and stay home where possible.
READ MORE - Everything Nicola Sturgeon said today as Omicron becomes dominant strain in Scotland
To try and limit the impact of this on the economy, the First Minister also announced that the Scottish Government would be investing £100 million in supporting the hospitality and culture sectors.
She also called on the UK Government to offer more support after admitting that it would not be enough to adequately protect small businesses from the effects of Omicron.
As reported by the Daily Record, here is the full list of new measures that are now in force in pubs, restaurants, and shops.
1. Masks
By law, everyone 12 and over must wear a face covering in most indoor public places in Scotland.
Places people in Scotland need to wear a mask include:
- Shops
- Bars, restaurants, cafes and nightclubs
- Churches and other places of worship
- Public transport, including stations and bus stops
- At work (including tradespeople working in people’s homes)
The new guidance clarifies the mask mandate for businesses, stating: "Face coverings should be worn at all times indoors."
In a hospitality setting, diners are allowed to take off their masks to eat and drink. There is an exception for exercise, including dancing.
That means it's a legal requirement to wear a mask, including when moving around, queuing at the bar, entering or leaving, and going to the toilet.
2. Minimise crowding and queues
Scotland did away with most Covid measures in August, including social distancing.
However, new guidance has brought back physical distancing requirements and venues are encouraged to reduce crowding wherever possible.
The Scottish Government has advised companies to consider measures to minimise exposure and contact.
The advice includes a return to one-way systems in premises, app-based ordering and the use of screens at service points and a return to table service where possible.
According to the latest advice, businesses have also been asked to consider a ticketing system during peak festive opening hours where possible.
3. Safety measures
Businesses have been told to 'maximise' ventilation to minimise the spread of Covid. Other measures include changing the layout of premises, installing barriers or screens, and providing or requiring PPE.
For hospitality, this means managing queues, one way systems, table service, using screens and adapting ordering systems to reduce interactions.
"It is for each premises to determine what is practical and operationally possible for their setting in what is a diverse sector," says the guidance.
4. Workplace testing extended
Workplace testing is being extended as businesses with over 10 employees encouraged to sign up for free rapid lateral flow tests.
If there is a confirmed positive Covid case, staff members should consider measures including limiting close contact and taking part in twice weekly LFD tests.
It echoes advice by the NHS for people to take LFDs twice a week.
The government says: "Those who can’t work from home – including sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, hospitality and retail – should be testing regularly before going to work and eligible organisations are encouraged to sign up to workplace testing."
Read more about the free LFD testing programme in workplaces and sign up here.
5. A total of £200million in financial support
Nicola Sturgeon announced a new £100million financial package for businesses to "help mitigate further economic harm as a result of this vital public health guidance".
An additional £100million for self-isolation support grants is being made available.
The FM has repeatedly said that Scottish businesses need further support from the UK Government and has appealed to Boris Johnson for more funds.
Scottish Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said: "In addition to guidance, we know that businesses need financial support now.
"We are working to get funding out to businesses as soon as we can but the Treasury must also step up and provide urgent funding beyond what we are able to provide.
"I wrote to the Chancellor last night and the First Minister has requested talks with the Prime Minister – this situation is serious and we need the UK Government to engage with us on further support."
