Scottish football clubs have been given a major boost after the Scottish Government clarified their stance on Omicron guidelines.
A hectic festive schedule in the senior game looked like being thrown into chaos after Scottish football's Joint Response Group issued health guidance from Holyrood which forced entire squads into 10 days of self-isolation to combat the spread of the latest Covid strain.
Managers were forced to rearrange travel plans for weekend games, with Motherwell travelling to Celtic Park in 35 individual cars, while Airdrie were granted postponement of their League One fixture against Queen's Park following a positive result upon their return from a 2-1 defeat at Montrose last Tuesday.
It was believed that just one positive case on a team bus would lead to everyone on board being ruled out of action, regardless of their vaccination status.
National clinical director Jason Leitch contradicted that initial advice while on a radio show at Saturday lunchtime, and that sparked communication between the football authorities and government health officials.
This has led to the JRG issuing mew advice to clubs, ahead of the First Minister's latest Covid update, which is due on Tuesday.
According to the Daily Record, a letter that has been sent to clubs reads: "Contrary to initial advice, it has been confirmed that it is NOT the case that all passengers on board a plane or bus will be identified as close contacts.
“The revised guidance received from Scottish Government is as follows.
“Close contact definition and assessment process remain as they are across all areas, with the ‘two row’ criteria currently in place continuing on plane/bus travel and ‘2m’ assessment used for changing areas, dining arrangements etc.
"The following is applicable to close contacts of a positive case.
“All household contacts of a positive case must self-isolate with no test to release provision regardless of vaccination status or age.
“Non-Household Close-Contacts: Non double-vaccinated close contacts must self-isolate with no test to release provision regardless of vaccination status or age.
“Double vaccinated close contacts must self-isolate, however can stop isolation should they produce a negative result from an NHS PCR test.
“This situation with Omicron is fast moving and we will update as soon as changes are advised. Clubs are encouraged to ensure all double vaccinated individuals receive their booster jag asap.”
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