Covid rules are easing in Scotland from today, with restrictions changing on everything from nightclubs to events.
Nicola Sturgeon announced the further lifting of Covid restrictions as the country continues to battle the recent wave of Omicron infections.
The First Minister said that Scotland had ‘turned a corner’ when addressing MSPs in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday.
Figures released by Public Health Scotland show that the rise in Covid infections has fallen since the start of the month.
But despite the recent downturn in case numbers, Sturgeon described the current figures as “very high”.
Today, 6,768 new Covid infections were identified over the last 24-hour period in Scotland.
A loosening of the rules will come into place across Scotland over the coming days - here are all the restrictions that will be lifted from Monday.
Pubs and restaurants
Table service and social distancing rules will become a thing of the past in bars and restaurants once again from this Monday.
Both measures were implemented shortly after the Christmas break as the Omicron variant took hold of Scotland.
The change means that pubgoers will be able to order a tipple from the bar and are not required to socially distance from other groups.
Nightclubs
Nightclubs in Scotland have been closed since Boxing Day - once again due to the rise in Omicron infections.
But revellers will be able to return to their favourite clubs from this Monday under the changes coming into place.
The definition of the venues that require a vaccine pass for entry will be changed from then.
Speaking on Tuesday, Nicola Sturgeon said: “At the moment, nightclubs and other late night venues must apply the Covid certification scheme if they have, in use, a designated area for dancing.
"We intend to amend the definition here to provide greater clarity and prevent premises from avoiding certification simply by having tables on a dance floor - and therefore claiming it is not a dance floor - but still permitting dancing around the tables.
"This change will take effect from Monday when late night venues are able to reopen.”
Indoor events
Concerts and theatre events are among this getting the green light next week.
Nicola Sturgeon announced that all attendance limits on indoor events will be lifted, in addition to the one metre social distancing requirement for different groups in an indoor public space.
Non-professional contact sports will also be allowed to continue from Monday.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here
