Legal requirements relating to coronavirus will change to guidance next month, as Nicola Sturgeon unveiled plans on "living with Covid".
Earlier this afternoon, the First Minister announced updated plans and guidance relating to Covid, which are outlined in a new Scottish Government framework.
Ms Sturgeon stated that there will be a shift from legal requirements to strong guidance and a reliance on the vaccination programme, treatments for Covid and good public health behaviours to curb the spread of the virus.
As of next Monday (February 28), the Covid certification scheme will come to an end, meaning Scots will no longer have to show proof of their Covid vaccine at certain events, however businesses will have the option to continue this scheme voluntarily if they wish to do so.
As of March 21, the legal requirement to wear face masks in public places and on public transport will end, but the government strongly advises that people still wear them in these areas.
Along with this, as of March 21, the legal requirement for businesses to take practical measures will be lifted as well as the requirement to retain contact details for track and trace.
Testing for coronavirus is encouraged, which the First Minister has called a "vital part of the management of Covid", and both PCR tests and Lateral Flow tests will remain free of charge for Scots.
Advice on the frequency of taking lateral flow tests before every social event will change from next Monday to testing at least twice a week, particularly if visiting a crowded venue or meeting with someone who is vulnerable.
Those who test positive for the virus must isolate for the recommended period and self-isolation payments will be made available.
There will be a change to monitoring the severity of the virus from the number of daily cases reported to a scale of ‘low’, ‘medium’ and ‘high’ when deciding how to respond.
There will be a strong surveillance of the virus to help the government identify new threats.
The availability of the vaccine will be extended to all 5- to 11-year-olds as of mid-March as well as care home residents, those aged over 75 and immunosuppressed people will be offered a fourth jag 12 weeks after their booster.
As of today, 6427 new cases of the virus have been reported, 1060 people were in hospital yesterday with Covid, with 12 people in intensive care and 18 new reported deaths of people who have tested positive.
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