Scotland brings in new Covid rules to slow the spread of Omicron
The new restrictions mainly affect hospitality and live events
New coronavirus restrictions are being introduced in Scotland in a bid to combat rising Covid cases.
From Boxing Day large events will have one metre physical distancing and will be limited to 100 people standing indoors, 200 people sitting indoors and 500 people outdoors.
Fans once again shut out from Scottish football
It effectively means a return to behind closed doors football for the matches taking place in the SPFL on Boxing Day. The Premiership’s winter break is being brought forward to give other scheduled fixtures, including the Old Firm match at Celtic Park, the best chance of going ahead in front of a crowd.
From the 27th up to three households can meet with a one metre distancing between groups at indoor and outdoor venues like bars, restaurants, theatres, cinemas and gyms – while nightclubs will close their doors.
Table service is also needed at places where alcohol is served.
New rules also coming in for Wales and Northern Ireland
Wales and Northern Ireland are also introducing new rules to try and slow the spread of the Omicron variant, but any further measures in England are unlikely to be discussed until Monday.
From Boxing Day, a maximum of six people will be allowed to meet in pubs, cinemas and restaurants in Wales.
A total of 30 people will be allowed at indoor events while 50 people will be allowed at outdoor events.
Two metre social distancing is being required in public premises and offices, and nightclubs will close.
The rules, in force from 6am, are a revised version of alert level two.
Northern Ireland is also bringing in restrictions on Boxing Day and December 27, with indoor standing events no longer permitted and nightclubs closing.
Socialising will be reduced to three households while up to six people can meet in pubs, bars and restaurants. Ten people will be allowed if they are from the same household. Only table service will be available.
A two metre social distancing rule will be in place in public premises and offices.
Boris Johnson not ruling out further restrictions in England
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has yet to announce any further rules for England but indicated he will not hesitate to act after Christmas if required amid rising cases of the Omicron variant.
The Government may choose to issue new voluntary guidance on limiting contacts rather than risk another damaging Tory rebellion by recalling Parliament to impose new rules beyond the existing Plan B measures.
It is understood a Covid O meeting is yet to be scheduled as ministers await further data, but No 10 did not rule out the possibility one could take place on Monday.