Scottish government announces further Omicron restrictions

The Scottish government yesterday (21 December) announced that additional targeted measures will be implemented in response to the rapid spread of the Covid Omicron variant, with ministers hoping that further restrictions will help minimise contact between people and accelerate the effects of the booster vaccine rollout.

The news follows first minister Nicola Sturgeon's recent plea for people not to mix in groups of more than three households, part of the government's strategy to curb the spread of the virus. 

Sturgeon's 14 December announcement stated that restaurants, pubs and bars would not be forced to close under the new restrictions, emphasising that this would be a "last resort" measure. The first wave of restrictions issued across the country included limiting socialisation and the requirement for individuals to take a lateral flow test before any in-person meetings. 

While the three household rule came into effect on 18 December, yesterday's announcement added that from 5am on 27 December, there will be a one metre physical distancing requirement between adults in all indoor hospitality and leisure settings, including restaurants, cafés, pubs, bars and other contexts where food and drink is served for consumption on-site. 

Additionally, table service will be required in venues where alchohol is served for consumption on the premises. 

In a bid to ease the pressure on emergency service across Scotland, attendance at large events will be restricted to 100 people for indoor standing events, 200 people for indoor seated events and 500 people for all outdoor events, seated or standing, from 5am on 26 December. 

A support package totalling £375m, including £175 million of additional funding from the Treasury, will be made available to help sectors affected by the latest protective measures enforced to combat Omicron. An update on the breakdown and allocation of funding is still to come. 

'Booster jabs are our best line of defence'

All measures will be reviewed after three weeks on Tuesday 11 January, at which point protection from booster vaccinations up to 31 December – when the Scottish government is aiming for 80% of over 18s to have received their booster – will be maximised.

"This is not a choice between protecting health and protecting the economy – if we don’t stem the spread of the virus, both health and the economy will suffer," adds Sturgeon.

"Booster jabs are our best line of defence against Omicron and they are what will get us through and out of this difficult phase I believe." 

On the new measures, Sturgeon adds: "Our advice is to stay at home as much as possible, but if you are meeting other people, test before you go  – every time – and test as close to going as possible. This is really important for family gatherings on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.”

'The very fabric of our economy in tatters'

In response to the announcement, UKHospitality Scotland executive director Leon Thompson comments: “Hospitality is likely to lose around £1bn in the course of December, as public heath messaging has hammered trade and threatened jobs and livelihoods. Today’s announcement of further restrictions across hospitality businesses will, for many, be the final straw as owners and operators weigh-up whether it will be worth remaining open beyond Christmas.

“With public Hogmanay celebrations cancelled and Scottish government advice for people to stay at home and to limit social contact, hospitality will have little opportunity to trade. Hotels, bars and restaurants are once again left counting the cost as they receive more cancellations and losses pile up. Our businesses are the bedrock of communities and high streets across the country. Tonight, the very fabric of our economy is in tatters.

“Whilst the financial package of £66m already announced for hospitality, plus whatever may come from the £275m highlighted today, is very welcome, it will not save businesses. Nor will it support workers, who are increasingly on reduced shifts as customers stay away. The financial package is too little and, given no money will reach businesses until some point in January, it will come too late for many businesses.

“UKHospitality Scotland will continue to press the Scottish government to get support to businesses quickly. We will also argue that the restrictions announced today should not be in place for more than the three weeks stated.”

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