Nicola Sturgeon has announced a further easing of Covid-19 restrictions this afternoon, with social distancing indoors to change to just one metre.
The First Minister recently announced the relaxing of various different rules within Scotland in the coming weeks, such as a phased return to office working, a return to bar service and allowing nightclubs to open once more.
Today, the First Minister issued another update on these restrictions, saying that from Friday, indoor settings where people are require to wear a face covering, will only have a one-metre social distancing rule.
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In December, the two metre social distancing rule was re-introduced due to an increase in Covid cases and overcrowding within bars and restaurants.
Recently, due to a rapid fall in the transmission of the Omicron variant, such rules have been seen as no longer necessary.
Speaking at Holyrood today, the First Minister said: "In December, in response to Omicron, a requirement for 2 metre physical distancing was introduced for indoor settings where people have a specific exemption from the need to wear a face covering. Such exemptions apply, for example, to people leading religious services or carrying out some receptionist duties.
"From Friday, in light of the improving situation, this requirement will revert to 1 metre."
Sturgeon hailed the brilliant work of the NHS teams across Scotland for continuing to provide the most successful vaccine program in the UK, saying that this would not be possible without the impressive levels of fully jabbed Scots.
She added: "The welcome progress of the past week or so has been made possible by a combination of booster vaccination, the proportionate measures introduced in December, and of course the willingness of the public to adapt behaviour to stem transmission. All of that made a difference and has helped send Omicron into reverse.
"This progress is real and I am hopeful it can be sustained. That said, we know there are uncertainties still ahead and the virus continues to be unpredictable."
The change to the social distancing rule will be welcomed by the hospitality industry within Scotland, as before the new year, businesses became under increased pressure to remain open whilst the tightening of restrictions were ramped up.
The Scottish Government also announced changes to travel restrictions in the country, with passengers returning from abroad no longer being required to take a Covid test within 48 hours of arrival.
A phased return to hybrid home-working from next week was also amongst talking points in the First Minister's briefing this afternoon.
As for the days statistics, there was a slight increase in positive cases compared to the last few days, as 8,022 infections were recorded. As it stands, 1,392 people are currently in hospital with Covid - 43 fewer than yesterday.
49 people are intensive care - 4 fewer than yesterday and sadly, 23 deaths have been reported as the number recently surpassed the 10,000 mark over the past few weeks.
