First Minister Nicola Sturgeon took to the Scottish Parliament today (January 25) to discuss the latest on covid, omicron, the vaccination progress as well as the latest changes coming into force.
One of the most recent changes is regarding the travel sector.
It will affect those who are vaccinated as well as those who have had only one or no jags yet.
Guidance is also being updated for adults and children with the FM stating that the government will carefully consider any further changes such as the scrapping of face masks completely.
But what else did Nicola Sturgeon say in her speech today?
Scotland's covid statistics - January 25 2022
- 8,022 positive cases were reported yesterday through PCR and lateral flow tests
- 1,392 people are in hospital with Covid - 43 fewer than yesterday
- 49 people are in intensive care - four 4 fewer than yesterday
Sadly, a further 23 deaths have been reported, taking the total number of deaths under the daily definition to 10,222.
How covid is spreading throughout Scotland
The FM said that weekly survey data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) indicates a "similar trend".
She explained: "According to ONS, in the week to 15 January, the percentage of people in Scotland infected with the virus declined.
"As we would have expected, the decline in new cases is now reflected in a fall in the number of people being admitted to hospital with covid.
"This significantly improved situation gave us the confidence yesterday to lift most of the remaining protective measures that were introduced before Christmas in response to omicron."
The updates comes following the lifting of restriction which saw limits on attendance at indoor public events being scrapped whilst nightclub were able to re-open.
In addition to its re-opening, the Scottish Government also changed the rules of self-isolation for people in care homes and lifted the recommended limit on the number of households able to visit care home residents.
Vaccination progress in Scotland
Discussing the vaccination roll out, the FM said that she" welcome progress of the past week or so has been made possible by a combination of booster vaccination, the proportionate measures introduced in December, and of course the willingness of the public to adapt behaviour to stem transmission.
"All of that made a difference and has helped send omicron into reverse. This progress is real and I am hopeful it can be sustained."
Working from home guidance updated for Scots
Since the beginning of the pandemic, people have been told to work from home in a bid to stop the spread of covid.
But now in an update, the FM has said that instead of recommending home working whenever practical, the "new guidance will pave the way for a phased return to the office."
This means that from Monday (January 31), it is recommended that "employers should consider implementing hybrid working – following appropriate guidance - with workers spending some time in the office and some time at home.
"We would not expect to see a wholesale return to the office next week - indeed, given that the level of infection, though falling, remains high, a mass return at this stage is likely to set progress back.
"But we know there are many benefits to both employees and employers, and to the economy as a whole, in at least a partial return to the office at this stage. Indeed many businesses successfully implemented hybrid working last autumn.
"And so as part of a phased return to the office, we will again encourage employers to consider hybrid working, and look to them to determine how best to manage this transition in consultation with
workers and trade unions."
Physical distancing rules to be changed
The FM said that a two metre physical distancing rule was was introduced for indoor settings where people have a specific exemption from the need to wear a face covering. Such exemptions apply, for example, to people leading religious services or carrying out some receptionist duties.
However this will now change as from Friday (January 28), the requirement will revert to one metre.
Face mask rule change for adults
Whilst people will still need to wear masks - unless exempt - a new rule will be coming into force which will mean that adults working with children five or under will no longer need to wear one if taking part in activities with them.
Previous advice meant adults could only to do if they were leading the activity.
The FM explained that the change will "bring the guidance for indoor activities into line with that for early learning and childcare settings, and be of benefit to younger children and those working with them."
School guidance
Nicola Sturgeon said that at this stage, the Scottish Government is "not recommending any immediate change to the Reducing Risks in Schools guidance. However, this is being kept under close and regular review for schools and the early learning and childcare sector. The Advisory Sub-Group on Education is meeting again today.
"We will consider carefully any recommendations it makes, and continue to seek its advice on issues such as groupings within schools, and the requirement for secondary school pupils to wear face coverings.
"On the issue of face coverings, I know young people want to see the back of them as soon as possible. But I also know that many young people understand and agree - especially when cases in the younger age group are rising - that face coverings do provide important protection.
"So this is a matter that requires and will receive careful consideration."
Travel restriction rule change
The UK - including Scotland - have decided to scrap all covid testing requirements for those who are fully vaccinated and arriving into the country.
Regardless of vaccine status, all children under the age of 18 are classed as fully vaccinated.
This means people who are fully jabbed will no longer have to take a lateral flow test upon entry however they must complete a Passenger Locator Form.
The rules are slightly different for those who are not fully vaccinated meaning that if you come under this category, you must still take a pre-departure test before arriving in Scotland as well as carrying out a PCR test on or before day two after entry.
Speaking about the change the FM added: "The four UK governments also agreed to work on a new surveillance system to identify any future variants of concern.
"The Scottish Government would have preferred this system to be in place before removing the need for vaccinated people to take tests – however, as we have done in the past, we recognise the wider benefits of adopting a common approach where possible.
"While these changes will be very welcome to travellers and the travel industry, it is important to point out that no government can completely rule out having to tighten travel requirements again if certain circumstances - most obviously another new variant - were to arise.
"But for now - and hopefully for the long term - it is really positive that these measures can be lifted. It opens the way for family reunions, the prospect again of holidays overseas and, of course, much
needed support for the travel sector."
