Nicola Sturgeon today issued new guidance to Scots ahead of the Christmas period amid fears over the Omicron Covid variant.
The First Minister said that the number of Omicron cases in Scotland is rising ‘exponentially’ and faster than any variant before it.
So far, the Scottish Government has reported 296 confirmed cases of the new variant - but the actual figures is said to be much higher.
Around 27.5 per cent of new coronavirus infections are said to show what is called an S gene drop out - which is one of the hallmarks of Omicron infection.
Early studies have also shown that the effectiveness of vaccines could possibly drop when it comes up against the highly mutated variant.
It is also predicted that the Omicron variant will become the dominant Covid strain in Scotland within days.
As a result of these findings, Nicola Sturgeon issued guidance to ensure that Scots remain safe during the festive period.
This included calls for hospitality venues to help ramp up contact tracing efforts and a reintroduction of limiting the number of people allowed inside shops at the one time.
The First Minister also announced guidance on meeting with other households over the coming days.
Here is everything you need to know.
Before and after the Christmas period
Scots have been asked to minimise the number of non-household contacts in the run up to the festive period and afterwards.
Nicola Sturgeon announced that the guidance issued will not become law, unlike the rules on gatherings in place during last year’s festive period.
If Scots do choose to meet with other households, then they should limit gatherings to a maximum of three households per group.
All Scots have been urged to take a test before meeting with others.
During the Christmas period
Nicola Sturgeon said that the Scottish Government is not proposing limits on the size of household gatherings on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
The First Minister stated that she is not asking to cancel or change plans in light of the new guidance issued today.
However, Sturgeon said that celebrations should be kept “as small as family circumstances allow” over these three days.
Scots should ensure that everyone involved in the festive gathering is vaccinated and has done a test in advance.
Hosts should keep their windows ventilated and urge guests to follow strict hygiene rules.
Places of worship will remain open during the festive period, with appropriate mitigations in place.
