STRICTER restrictions will be in place in Scotland from Boxing Day into January. 

Nicola Sturgeon has announced measures that will particularly impact large gatherings and hospitality in response to growing cases of Covid-19. 

So what are the new restrictions?

  • From December 26 for up to three weeks, there will be a limit on the size of public events. 

Indoor standing events will be limited to 100 people, seated to 200, and outdoor events to 500.

This essentially takes football behind closed doors over the festive period and it rules out Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations.

It does not affect private events such as weddings. 

  • From December 27 people in Scotland should minimise their socialising at New Year, 

The First Minister urged people to keep their contacts with other households to a minimum.

She told MSPs: “Difficult though it is, please follow this advice over New Year – minimise Hogmanay socialising as much as you can.

“If we all follow the advice to minimise the contact we have outside our own households, we will help limit the spread of infections.

“This is the bedrock of our plan for the immediate period ahead.”

  • From December 27 again for a three-week period further protections in hospitality settings will be in place.

Table service-only will be reintroduced for venues serving alcohol for consumption on the premises.

One-meter distance, not within, but between groups of people who are attending together and no more than three households should be represented in a group. 

 

The First Minister also confirmed that schools will reopen as usual after the Christmas holiday.