Nicola Sturgeon has urged Scots to test themselves for covid symptoms before heading out to parties during the festive season.
The First Minister made the appeal for "extra effort" during December and called on the public to take lateral flow tests before socialising or going Christmas shopping.
In a change of policy for football grounds the First Minister announced that a recent negative test would secure entry to matches. Until now proof of vaccination was required to attend mass events.
Having held off on further restrictions like proof of vaccination before entering nightclubs and cinemas, the SNP leader called on everyone to protect themselves and others during the hectic party season.
She said: “On any occasion that you intend to socialise or mix with people from other households - whether that is in a pub, restaurant, house or shopping centre - do a lateral flow test first. If it is positive, do not go. Self isolate and get a PCR instead.”
She added: “This way, you are minimising the risk of inadvertently passing the virus on even if you don’t have symptoms."
The First Minister said all the rules and legal protections, such as the requirement to wear face coverings on public transport, in shops and when moving around in hospitality settings, would remain in place over the festive season.
She also added that at football grounds and mass events a recent negative test would now be enough allow access. Until now entry to football grounds required proof of vaccination for entry.
She said: "We have decided that from 6 December it will be possible to access venues or events covered by the scheme by showing either proof of vaccination, as now, or a recent negative lateral flow test result."
She also delivered a blunt message on the “duty” to get vaccinated and for people to undergo booster jabs as required.
Describing vaccination as 'the most precious gift’ people could give to loved ones at Christmas, Sturgeon said: “The duty and responsibility of all of us as citizens is to get vaccinated as soon as we are able.”
“If you haven’t yet had a dose of the vaccine that you are eligible for, please make arrangements to get it now.
This is even more important if you are planning to socialise at all over the festive period.
If you are meeting up with loved ones and you are not as fully vaccinated as you could be, you are putting them at unnecessary risk.
To be blunt, you could be putting their lives in danger.”
Along with the lateral flow test message the First Minister reminded people that good ventilation also reduces risks in indoor spaces.
She said: “So please open windows if you have people round. And lastly, please continue to work from home whenever possible.”
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