Full stadiums again as Scotland's post-Christmas Covid rules are eased

Celtic Park is sold out for tonight's game against Hibs

Author: Rob WallerPublished 17th Jan 2022
Last updated 17th Jan 2022

Large outdoor events can go ahead in Scotland again as the strict limits on the number of attendees brought in on Boxing Day are lifted, but with more checks on Covid passes.

Celtic Park in Glasgow is sold out for tonight's game against Hibs as the Premiership returns from an early winter break, although at least 50% of people attending will have to prove their vaccination status - or that they've tested negative on a lateral flow device - to get in.

In response to the Omicron wave, rules were put in place from Boxing Day to limit the number of people who can attend outdoor events to a maximum of 500.

On Tuesday last week, Nicola Sturgeon announced these rules would be eased amid early signs the country had "turned a corner".

As well as football matches, Murrayfield will be able to hold a full house in the Six Nations rugby.

COVID pass rule changes

Scots will still be required to show evidence of vaccination or a recent negative lateral flow test in order to access large events.

Organisers of events with more than 1,000 attendees will be expected to check the Covid status of at least half of those arriving.

Are you boosted?

Another change coming in on Monday affects the definition of being "fully vaccinated".

For those whose second dose was more than four months ago, they will now require a booster or third dose.

Giving an update to MSPs last week, the First Minister said: "The situation in Scotland just now is undoubtedly serious but perhaps less so than it might have been, and there are also some signs that we may be starting to turn a corner."

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