Nicola Sturgeon has announced no “immediate” changes to covid restrictions - but warned vaccine passports could be extended next month.
The First Minister singled out cinemas, theatres and some licensed premises as contenders for the scheme.
She also said the Government is looking at the option of people being able to enter venues after providing evidence of a recent negative test result.
Any changes, she said, would come into force on December 6th.
Covid levels are stubbornly high and the NHS is under severe pressure on a range of fronts.
Ministers have hinted for weeks that vaccine passports - which are a condition of entry for nightclubs and large events - could be extended.
In a statement at Holyrood, Sturgeon said: “I can confirm that at our meeting earlier today the Cabinet agreed to keep the current regulations in place, with no immediate changes.
“However, we also considered - though we have not yet reached final decisions on - the possibility of future changes to the Covid certification scheme and I will say more about that shortly.”
She said a final decision will be made on Tuesday.
She added: “While final decisions have not yet been reached, I want to provide an update on the issues under consideration.
“I should also say that we would provisionally intend for any changes we do decide on to the scheme to take effect from December 6.”
She added: “We are also considering whether an expansion of the scheme to cover more settings would be justified and prudent given the current state of the pandemic.
“However, to allow us to engage openly with businesses in the coming days about the pros, cons and practicalities, I can confirm that the kinds of settings that might be in scope would be indoor cinemas, theatres, and some other licensed and hospitality premises.
She also said she was “acutely aware” many businesses do not want an extension of covid restrictions, but said: want us to remove mitigations - including certification - not extend or tighten them.
“But all of our decisions are motivated by a desire to get through what will be a challenging winter without having to re-introduce any restrictions on trade. We want if possible businesses to stay fully open over Christmas and through the winter, while also keeping Covid under control.
“If an expansion of Covid certification can help us do that, it would be irresponsible not to consider it.”
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