Millions of people in Scotland will have to follow several new Covid rules and restrictions coming into force this week which will impact everything from pubs to football.
Due to soaring coronavirus cases, large events will be limited, Hogmanay plans must be stripped back and nightclubs will shut to keep everyone safe.
Some restrictions came into force straight after Christmas on Boxing Day, December 26, while the rest will start from Monday, December 27.
Nicola Sturgeon announced the new measures to tackle rising cases which have shot up since the new strain took hold at the start of the month. It is now the dominant variant.
The First Minister said that the temporary measures would be reviewed after three weeks on Tuesday, January 11.
Here are seven important new Covid rules everyone in Scotland will need to follow from this week.
1. Large gatherings limited
From December 26, there will be new rules around large gatherings.
Big gatherings will be capped at limited numbers for around three weeks. However, this does not apply to weddings.
New restrictions on large gatherings are as follows:
- Standing indoor events: 100 people
- Seated indoor events: 200 people
- Outdoors: 500 people
These new limitations have lead to the cancellation of some events, including Edinburgh's Hogmanay.
Physical distancing restrictions for these events will require people to be one metre apart.
It means football matches will be capped at 500 fans.
2. Pubs and restaurant rules
Hospitality in Scotland will be subject to strict rules from December 27 for a three-week period.
The new restrictions are due to hospitality being deemed as a 'higher risk' environment.
Pubs and restaurants that serve alcohol will be required to operate on a table service only policy from December 27, under the new rules.
One metre social distancing rules will also be applied between groups of people.
The Scottish Government also advises that groups should contain no more than people from three households.
3. Working from home
Working from home where possible will soon become "a requirement that is anchored in law", according to the Scottish Government.
It will now be a 'legal duty' for employers to enable staff to work from home, similar to the start of the pandemic.
4. Nightclubs to close
Nightclubs in Scotland will close for three weeks as part of the latest Omicron restrictions.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney announced the decision to shut late night venues last week after speaking with business owners.
Pubs and restaurants must reintroduce social distancing and only serve customers at tables from December 27 under plans announced by Nicola Sturgeon on Tuesday.
Nightclubs had the option to follow these temporary rules after Christmas but have now agreed to close and access business support cash instead.
5. Non-professional sports
Non-professional contact sports that take place indoors will also be banned from Boxing Day.
Sturgeon said that physical distancing is not possible during these activities and also create a ‘heightened risk of transmission’.
6. Hogmanay changes
It's one of the busiest nights of the year in Scotland.
However, people are being urged to keep their celebrations small on Hogmanay this year to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Due to the limits in place on the size of public events, this means the cancellation of large Hogmanay events, such as the famous celebrations in Edinburgh.
Any events which do go ahead will have to introduce one metre physical distancing.
People are being urged to keep celebrations to a minimum with no more than three households.
7. Football restrictions
Football matches that can take place with the limited number of fans must have a one metre rule on social distancing.
The Scottish Government faces questions on why all football clubs must restrict themselves to 500 supporters regardless of their size.
Nicola Sturgeon said that this means that sporting events, such as the football, will be spectator free for up to three weeks from this period.
The Deputy First Minister and Covid Recovery Minister said the reason for restriction was to send a "very clear signal" and to give "clarity" to fans.
Rangers opted to have balloted season ticket holders to choose the 500 supporters who were in attendance on Boxing Day for the clash against St Mirren.
Hearts notably decided to fully close Tynecastle for today, believing there to be no point in opening up to such a small number.
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