Nightclubs can reopen as Covid curbs begin to ease
Nightclubs have been given the green light to reopen from Monday next week as Covid cases across Scotland reduce.
The latest Scottish Government announcement from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Tuesday this week revealed growing optimism that the country has passed the peak of the Omicron wave – with curbs on hospitality, attendance limits and physical distancing all set to be removed from the start of next week.
Other restrictions set to be removed include the limits on attendances at indoor public events and the requirement for hospitality businesses to operate with table service only.
However, existing arrangements for hospitality firms to take contact details for customers for Test and Protect purposes will still remain in place – as well the need to use face coverings on public transport and public indoor settings.
It comes as crowds at major sporting events were restored this week following an announcement earlier this month.
During her statement to Holyrood, Ms Sturgeon expressed confidence the country had“turned the corner on the Omicron wave”after new data revealed that the number of positive PCR tests had dropped by 64 per cent from the same point last week.
Ms Sturgeon also revealed during her statement that officials believed the country hit the peak of the latest wave in the opening week of January, but urged caution due to the“acute pressures”remaining on the NHS.
She urged people to stick to existing measures, including reducing the number of social gatherings, as well as working from home and use of masks.
She added:“These measures make a difference – the fact that so many people have stuck with them has helped make it possible to lift the protective measures.”
The First Minister also stressed the importance of people ensuring they were fully vaccinated.