What is the new scheme, how will it operate and where will it apply to?

The Scottish Government has revealed its Covid certification scheme will start on October 1 after proposals were approved by MSPs.

We take a look at the proposals for the scheme:

What is the aim of the scheme?

The Scottish Government has said the certification scheme will aid it in “reducing the rate and impact of transmission”.

Nicola Sturgeon said on Wednesday that the scheme offers a “targeted way” to allow certain events and venues to continue to operate, even when Covid rates are high.

The first minister believes the move will also help encourage take-up of the vaccine.

How will it operate? The scheme will require a person seeking entry to certain venues and settings to show they have been fully vaccinated for at least two weeks.

Initially, the scheme will not permit a negative test result to be offered as an alternative to evidence of vaccination, but this will be “kept under review”.

Where will it apply? Nightclubs; Sexual entertainment venues;

Live events: indoors unseated 500-plus in the audience.

Live events: outdoors unseated 4,000-plus in the audience.

All events: 10,000-plus in the audience.

The paper states there is “now a need to define nightclubs” as “behaviours that were previously prohibited are now allowed in wider parts of hospitality (for example, after midnight alcohol, loud music, dancing, and close contact for long periods)”.

There are currently no plans to introduce certification for the wider hospitality industry. Exemptions?

The Scottish Government is proposing the following exemptions: Under-18s; Participants in vaccine trials;

People unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons.

Employees at venues within the scope of the scheme.