The Scottish Government’s latest round of restrictions on leisure settings come into force to try and combat the Omicron variant.
The new rules started this morning, including one metre physical distancing in pubs and nightclubs being forced to close their doors.
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The social distancing will also be in place at restaurants, theatres, cinemas, gyms, museums, bowling alleys and snooker halls.
Edinburgh nightclubs are also due to close from Monday for a period of three weeks, however they will be able to remain open if they operate table serve and implement physical distancing.
Table service will also be reimposed in pubs to avoid gathering around bars.
Covid cases in Scotland have shot up since the new strain took hold at the start of the month. It is now the dominant variant with the R (reproduction) rate believed to be at around three.
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First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced during a statement to the Scottish Parliament before Christmas that the temporary measures would be reviewed after three weeks on Tuesday, January 11.
The Cabinet is expected to meet on Wednesday, December 29, with MSPs to be recalled on the same day for a virtual sitting at Holyrood.
Sturgeon will give an update on the state of the pandemic before taking questions from elected members.
Meanwhile, Scots are being urged to get their booster covid jab in a bid to offer better protection against Omicron as a spreads across the country.
Vaccination centres will open later today after being shut on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Around £375 million will be available in support to businesses who will be hit hard by the restrictions.
The Scottish Government revealed that full details about the financial backing will be announced soon after discussions with business organisations and councils.
Those who run hospitality firms can already apply for additional funding through the December and January Business Top Up.
Kate Forbes, Finance Secretary, urged Scots to get their booster vaccines and to remain as home as much as possible in order to halt the spread of the virus.
She said: “These temporary restrictions are targeted at reducing the spread of Omicron while the accelerated vaccination programme takes effect.
“I understand how difficult this has been for businesses in recent weeks but we must reduce our contacts and limit the spread of the virus.
“We’re providing £375 million in business support, which is a significant investment, to support those who have experienced cancellations and help them get back on their feet in the new year.
“The best way to support business sustainably, is to get the virus back under control.
“Please get your boosters and stay at home as much as possible just now.”
