Nicola Sturgeon Covid update RECAP: Scotland is now on the “downward slope” of infections
The First Minister said the country is “in a better position than I feared we would be before Christmas”, but would not comment on whether she plans to follow Wales with a mass easing of Covid rules.
Ms Sturgeon has chaired a Cabinet meeting this morning and will update Holyrood about the Government’s plans later in the afternoon.
You can follow updates in our live blog, right here.
Nicola Sturgeon Covid update LIVE:
Miles Briggs calls on a national review for car parking charges at hospitals,.citing the petition at the ERI in Edinburgh.
Nicola Sturgeon says she agrees that health care workers should not be penalised at this difficult time. She says she will ask the health board to engage with the health board.
Monica Lennon asks what will be done to ensure appropriate visiting for care homes - and asks about self isolation.
Nicola Sturgeon says that the overriding priority has been to safeguard and protect residents and staff at care homes.
Daniel Johnson asks about business funding and the delays to some obtaining compensation, asking in particular about retail.
The First Minister says further announcements will be made but that the Scottish Government are trying to publish the sectors obviously imnpacted.
She says that all business across sectors will aim to be supported and that a list of business will be published.
The First Minister is asked about the behaviour of the Prime Minister and the reported breach of the rules.
She says she understands the “intense anger” that so many feel about this and how it could undermine compliance.
Marie McNair asks what representation the First Minister had made to the UK Government for businesses that may not be able to get support.
Nicola Sturgeon says that the devolved administrations are calling for new measures.
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Restrictions put in place to curb the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid in Scotland are to be lifted from Monday, Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed.
The First Minister said more recent figures, showing a fall in infections, “gives us confidence that we have turned the corner on the Omicron wave”.
As a result she confirmed the measures – a limit on the numbers at indoor events, table service only at bars and other places selling alcohol and the closure of nightclubs – will be lifted from January 24.
Guidance limiting gatherings to a maximum of three households will also end on the same date, Ms Sturgeon added, along with restrictions preventing adults from taking part in indoor contact sports.