TESTING WILL CONTINUE EVERY DAY THROUGHOUT THE HOLIDAY PERIOD

More than seven in 10 eligible adults across Scotland have now had their COVID-19 booster or third dose.

Figures published yesterday show that 72.1% of over 18s who are eligible by 31 December have come forward so far, and more than 70,000 booster or third doses have been given a day over the last two days.

Anyone who has not yet had their booster is still being urged to get ‘boosted by the bells’, as the best way to combat the Omicron variant and protect the NHS.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Today’s figures reflect the enormous national effort which is going on right around the country to accelerate our vaccination programme in response to the Omicron variant.

“I want to thank absolutely everyone who has been involved in the programme, and all the people who have stepped up and come in for their booster.

“There will be vaccination centres open on Christmas Eve, so we want to see as many people as possible getting their booster right up until Christmas. If that isn’t possible for you, centres will be re-opening from Monday 27^th, so please book an appointment today, or look out for drop-ins, so you can join the thousands of people who have been boosted by the bells.

“Getting vaccinated is your civic duty, you not only protect yourself, but your loved ones, those you interact with and the country as whole, so please get your booster as soon as you can.”

Testing will continue through the holiday period

Sites to remain open every day

COVID-19 testing services will remain open in Scotland every day throughout the holiday period.

Test sites  will  continue to operate, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day, and tests will continue to be processed through the lab network. Test and Protect will also continue to operate every day during the holiday period.

Access to LFD tests will remain available through local pharmacies and test sites (subject to festive opening hours) and LFD and PCR tests can still be ordered online for home delivery over the holiday period.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “I would like to thank all our testing and contact tracing staff for their commitment and dedication at this challenging time which means this vital service can remain open throughout the holiday period as COVID-19 cases continue to rise.

“Testing has been at the heart of our response to this pandemic and anyone who has symptoms or is notified as a close contact by Test and Protect should isolate immediately and book a PCR test.

“The emergence of the Omicron variant  means it is more vital than ever that we use every tool at our disposal to identify COVID-19 cases quickly and break off chains of transmission.

“We are urging everyone to stay at home as much as possible over the coming weeks and reduce their mixing with other households. People should take an LFD test beforehand if they are visiting friends and family, and before situations where there is a higher risk of catching or passing on the virus.”

Opening hours for testing sites (including local and drive through testing sites):

Date                                                       Opening hours

24 December (Christmas Eve)            8am to 6pm

25 December (Christmas Day)           10am to 2pm

26 December (Boxing Day)                 10am to 2pm

27 December                                        8am to 6pm

28 December                                        8am to 6pm

29 December                                        8am to 6pm

30 December                                        8am to 6pm

31 December (New Year’s Eve)          8am to 6pm

1 January (New Year’s Day)                10am to 2pm