Nicola Sturgeon has said it is her 'expectation' that new COVID restrictions in Scotland will be in place until 17 January, as she urged people to 'stay at home right now more than normal'. Read more:
She added that she expects"steep increases in cases" over coming weeks. However, the first minister confirmed there would be no immediate changes to coronavirus rules in Scotland.She also suggestedafter the UK government’s move to allow people infected with COVID in England to stop isolating up to three days early if they test negative twice on days six and seven.
She said ministers"hope to reach decisions in the next week, with any changes taking effect from 5 January".Noting that testing capacity is"under pressure", Ms Sturgeon added that the Scottish government is"prioritising some slots for essential workers" and for those"clinically vulnerable or eligible for new COVID treatments" to ensure they receive test results promptly.
The first minister also set out how £100m of a £275m business support fund has been allocated - with £16m available to support transport providers, £27m for the culture sector, and £17m to the events sector. "A further £32m will be allocated to hospitality and leisure businesses, with an additional £10m for those parts of the hospitality industry most severely impacted by the requirement for table service - and up to £5m will be available for nightclubs required to close," she said.
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