Covid rules introduced to tackle the spread of Omicron in Scotland are set to be relaxed tomorrow ahead of an update by Nicola Sturgeon on Tuesday.
The first minister announced last week that restrictions put in place to control the fast-spreading Omicron coronavirus variant would change from tomorrow, January 17.
In her review, Nicola Sturgeon announced “phased and careful” changes to the rules on the Covid passport scheme.
Crowd restrictions at football matches were also lifted, allowing clubs to welcome fans back en masse.
Only some of the rules introduced on Boxing Day are set to change, with the restrictions on nightclubs and hospitality remaining in place under current plans.
Ms Sturgeon will give a further update on Tuesday in the Scottish Parliament following a review by the government.
What Covid rules are changing in Scotland?
Limits have been in place for large gatherings for three weeks, limiting outdoor events to no more than 500 people.
This is due to change from January 17, allowing sports events and music to go ahead at full capacity.
Changes have also been announced to the vaccine certification scheme, with people now having to receive a booster jab to be considered fully vaccinated.
Under the current plan set out by the first minister the rules around hospitality and nightclubs will remain in place.
The Covid certification scheme will also change, with organisers required to check the coronavirus vaccine passport of more people who attend their events than they did previously.
“Our guidance will now stipulate that the organisers of large events of 1000 or more people should check the certification status of at least 50% of attendees, rather than the current 20%, or at least 1000 people, whichever figure is highest,” Ms Sturgeon said.
When is Nicola Sturgeon’s next Covid update?
Nicola Sturgeon is due to update the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday and is likely to speak shortly after 2pm.
She will set out what the government’s latest assessment on the virus is as well as any changes to the current restrictions.
You will be able to watch the update live on Parliament TV.
Latest Covid data
It comes after the Scottish Government confirmed over 7,800 new cases of coronavirus over the weekend.
Data for the number of new infections on Sunday was unavailable due to an IT issue, the government said, however 7,833 positive tests were reported on Saturday.
As of Sunday, 1,562 people are in hospital who have recently tested positive for the virus, up 22 on Saturday’s figure.
A total of 42 patients with the virus are receiving treatment in an intensive care unit.
