NO COVID PASSPORT.. NO ENTRY
New rules on access are being enforced in Scotland from today
CONTROVERSIAL coronavirus vaccine passport rules will be enforced in Scotland from today.
Proof of being double-jagged is required to enter nightclubs and large events as part of the Scottish Government’s efforts to limit the spread of Covid and increase vaccine take-up.
The measures technically came into effect on October 1 but an 18-day grace period was announced following a backlash from affected industries and problems with the new app.
The policy will now be enforceable in nightclubs, strip clubs and unseated indoor events with more than 500 people, unseated outdoor events with more than 4000 and any event with more than 10,000 people.
Customers must show proof that they have had both vaccine doses, using a paper copy of the certificate or a QR code on a new app, although the latter has been plagued with problems since its launch.
Councils are responsible for ensuring venues and businesses are checking people’s vaccine status.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “The grace period allowed venues and businesses more than two weeks to test the scheme … and make suitable arrangements.
“It has also provided the
Adults must prove they have had both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, if asked, before being allowed entry to selected venues and events. These include: Nightclubs and entertainment venues. Unseated indoor events with more than 500 people, unseated outdoor events with more than 4000 visitors and events with 10,000+ people. All nightclub revellers and people visiting smaller events should expect to be checked. Those at larger events will be subjected to spot checks. People with a “good reason” for not being fully vaccinated, including medical conditions, will be exempt. Employees at venues are also exempt.
Government with helpful feedback from the sectors affected and we continue to liaise with them going forward.
“This is a very limited scheme and we hope this will allow businesses to remain open and prevent any further restrictions as we head into autumn and winter.”
Scottish Labour’s Jackie Baillie said: “The shambles that followed the release of the vaccine passport app was a predictable disaster.
“This debacle has happened because the SNP are arrogant enough to believe they are right and Scotland is wrong.
“If we want to control the virus we must look at proper resourcing of our Test and Protect system, which has collapsed in recent weeks.
“If we want to drive up vaccination we should be going door-to-door to convince those we know are hesitant and making it easier to just walk in for an appointment.”
Two people were yesterday reported to have died from Covid in Scotland in the previous 24 hours, bringing the death toll under the measure to 8909.
A further 2666 new cases were also identified.
There were 829 people in hospital with the coronavirus, 45 of whom were in intensive care.