Expanded testing needed to keep cases down
People attending venues covered by Scotland's COVID certification scheme are to be given the option of providing a recent negative lateral flow test for the virus, as an alternative to proof of vaccination.
It means that individuals who received a vaccine not recognised by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency), or have experienced difficulty accessing their vaccination record, will be able to attend venues covered by the scheme.
The change, which takes effect on 6 December, comes as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that there will not be an extension of the scheme to additional settings, such as cinemas and pubs.
Instead, she told MSPs that whenever people intend to socialise or mix with people from other households - whether that is in a pub, restaurant, house or shopping centre – they should do a Lateral Flow Test (LFT) first.
The certification scheme will continue to apply to major events and late-night venues. Regulations and guidance for businesses affected by the change will be published in the coming days.
The Scottish Government continues to encourage people to take lateral flow tests twice a week, and whenever they plan to meet people, particulalry as we move into the busy festive period.