Nicola Sturgeon is due to provide and update to Holyrood on the state of the Covid pandemic in Scotland today.
With cases remaining ‘stubbornly high’ in recent weeks, there is concern that the virus is not receding as fast as had been hoped despite the success of the vaccination programme.
More than 2,000 cases of Covid have been reported each day since the beginning of October, peaking at more than 3,000 for five days last week.
Hospitals remain under pressure while the number of tests returning positive results has hovered around 10 per cent for the past seven days.
Public Health expert and key adviser Professor Devi Sridhar has wrned that the situation remains “fragile”, and with winter just days away, the Scottish Government is considering what steps may be needed to contain the virus further.
Will there be fresh restrictions?
John Swinney has hinted that new measures ay be brought in but it is unlikely that Scotland will return to ‘stay at home’ lockdown.
READ MORE: Devi Sridhar speaks ahead of Nicola Sturgeon update
Professor Sridhar said that it is more likely that measures will involve the need for more certification when entering indoor settings – including vaccination passes or providing a negative PCR test.
Will vaccine passports be extended?
This is the most likely new measure Scots will see during the winter. Deputy First Minister John Swinney revealed last week that the Scottish Government is considering extending the vaccine certification scheme – already in place in nightclubs and at other large events – to more parts of the hospitality and leisure sector.
READ MORE: What are the latest Covid trends and statistics?
Mr Swinney stressed a decision has not yet been made but said Covid-19 was at a “concerningly high level” and Scotland is in a “precarious and unpredictable” position.
He added that ministers were also considering steps to increase home working and “whether changes are needed to extend use of face coverings”.
Will there be changes to working from home rules?
People are still being advised to work from home where possible. The Scottish government wants employers to consider long-term “hybrid” models with home and office working.
It could be that a call for a temporary work from home requirement is made today.
Nicola Sturgeon is due to update the Scottish Parliament today at 2.15pm. The statement can be viewed on the Scottish Parliament’s TV channel and will be broadcast on BBC Scotland.
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