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First Minister’s Omicron update: Reasons to be Cheerful?

  • Large outdoor events resume from 17 January
  • Measures covering indoor events and hospitality to be reviewed in one week

Large outdoor events can resume without physical distancing or capacity limits from 00:01 on Monday 17 January, following a review of all measures in place to limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

To support the lifting of capacity limits on outdoor events, COVID certification will remain for these where more than 4,000 standing or 10,000 seated are in attendance, and all other events and venues previously covered. Organisers of all events with more than 1,000 attendees will be expected to check a minimum of 50% of attendees for certification of vaccination, exemption, or negative test.

From Monday, a person will need to show they have had a booster to be considered ‘fully vaccinated’ if their last vaccine dose was more than four months ago. The NHS Scotland COVID Status app will be updated from this Thursday and will include booster jags on the QR code for domestic settings. Updated paper and PDF certificates are already available on request from the NHS Inform website or helpline.

Cabinet will next review the state of the epidemic on Tuesday 18 January and consider whether it may be possible to lift capacity caps on indoor live events, including theatre performances and concerts, from 24 January, by which time the impact of the return to schools and workplaces following the festive period should start to show. Cabinet will also consider whether COVID certification should be required in a broader range of settings.

Local authorities will receive up to £5 million of additional support to ensure ventilation in schools and early years settings meets the latest COVID-19 safety guidance.

The funding is to improve air flow, such as adjustments to windows and doors, use of fan systems and use of air cleaning devices in line with existing safety guidance. This is in addition to Scottish Government funding of £10 million provided local authorities for ventilation and CO2 monitoring last year.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “We remain in a highly challenging phase of the pandemic. Case numbers are high, and the impacts of that are severe, and the future trajectory does remain uncertain at this stage.

“But, because of the efforts we have all made, we are in a better position than I feared would be the case when additional measures were announced in December, and I do hope we are now seeing signs of improvement.

“That is allowing us to start the process from Monday of lifting the additional restrictions – and I hope that next week I will be able to confirm the further steps in that process.

“In the meantime, we can all continue to act in a way that keeps things moving in the right direction. Get fully vaccinated as soon as you can – if you haven’t done so already, please do that and do it this week. Try to limit your contacts for a further period, and prioritise the contacts that matter most to you.

“If you are meeting other people socially, test before you go, every time, as close as possible to the time you will be seeing other people and remember to record the result whether that is positive or negative, and take all the other precautions that make a difference.

“‘Living with the virus’, a phrase that we hear more and more right now, is what we all desperately want to do. Unfortunately it doesn’t mean waking up one morning soon and find that COVID has disappeared or that we no longer need to think at all about mitigating the harm it can do.

“Hopefully, we are on a path from COVID being an epidemic to it becoming endemic – in other words, existing at more manageable and consistent levels.

“These are important issues for not just government, but for all of us – so as we prepare the revised strategic framework in weeks to come, we will consult with Parliament, business organisations and other partners across society.

“Our aim is to publish the revised strategic framework within the next few weeks.”

Scottish Rugby responded:

It’s disappointing news for the arts, however:

IMPORTANT CUSTOMER UPDATE from EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE

Following the Scottish Government announcement on Tuesday 11 January, in which it was confirmed that indoor seated events continue to be limited to 200, we regret to announce that the following performances scheduled to play at the Edinburgh Playhouse have been postponed:

Waitress: 18th January – 22nd January

If you have tickets to these performances, you do not need to do anything at this time. You will be contacted from your point of purchase in the next few days with next steps.

Performances from 25th January onwards are still scheduled to go ahead as planned and any changes to this will be communicated as soon as possible if restrictions should be extended by the Scottish Government.

We thank you for your continued patience and understanding during this difficult time.

Scottish Fans Ask for a 3 Day Shift

“3 days will Make a Huge Difference”

The Scottish Football Supporters Association thank the First Minister and welcome the news that the cabinet have green lighted a return of fans above the short term limit of 500 imposed on 26th December.

Next week’s Scottish Premier League card can now take place in front of full houses starting with Celtic vs Hibs on Monday 17th and it means the early winter breakdown decision by our top 12 clubs has been commercially justified.

But as it stands the clubs below the Premier League and their fans face another weekend with restricted crowds.

The SFSA are aware that there is no strict science stipulating the 17th as the key restart date and ask that the First Minister, the Sports Minister and Cabinet revisit the decision urgently on behalf of all Scotland’s smaller clubs and their fans.

We ask that the date is brought forward to 14th of January instead of the 17th.

This will allow Ayr United, Dunfermline Athletic, Caledonian Thistle, Raith Rovers, Airdrie, Dumbarton and many other smaller clubs to allow their full fan communities back on Saturday. It will also allow for the top of the table clash in the Championship between Partick Thistle and Kilmarnock to have fans in attendance.

This simple change will bring financial benefits to clubs and communities and is we have been advised low risk.

Andy Smith, Chairman of the SFSA said: “A reprieve will make a huge financial difference to many of our smaller clubs and allow all their fans back and a normal Saturday in many communities.

“Too often Scottish Football overlooks the smaller clubs and their supporters when making big decisions. This is a chance to make a statement that football in Scotland is more than just the Premier League”.

NASUWT: Action needed to protect UK schools from Omicron

Teaching union the NASUWT is calling on governments across the UK to take urgent measures to protect schools from the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

In England the Union has released a joint statement with the five other trade unions representing the majority of education staff prior to the return of schools and colleges for the spring term. 

And in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland the NASUWT has called for urgent action from the Scottsh Government, the Welsh Government and the Northern Ireland Executive to protect schools now.



Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT General Secretary said: “Teachers have been on the frontline throughout the pandemic to support pupils and students and provide them with the best education possible.

“However, the rising number of cases of the Omicron variant could cause significant disruption in the next academic term with many teachers being forced to self-isolate.

“We must see immediate action to ensure that schools can continue to operate safely and provide high quality education.”

The statement below is from NASUWT, ASCL, GMB, NAHT, NEU and UNISON:
 
“There has been much speculation about the possibility of more disruption to education over the next academic term as a result of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.  
   
“As trade unions representing the vast majority of education staff, we wish to emphasise that teachers, leaders and support staff desperately want to be able to conduct face-to-face teaching for all children and young people on a consistent basis and without further interruption caused by the pandemic.  
   
“Education staff have moved heaven and earth to support pupils and students throughout the course of the crisis and they remain committed to providing the best possible support for all children and young people.  
   
“They are acutely conscious that this is essential particularly in supporting disadvantaged and vulnerable children and young people who have often been most badly affected by the pandemic both educationally and in terms of their wellbeing.  
   
“But last term education staff were more likely than other workers to test positive and therefore to have to self-isolate, inevitably leading to disruption of education.  
   
“Schools and colleges cannot on their own reduce the threat posed by the virus and they need from the Westminster government more than rhetoric about the importance of education.   
 
“We need the minimum amount of educational disruption this term in order to avoid a third successive year where GCSEs, A-levels and other exams have to be cancelled, and thereby removing the uncertainty and additional workload for students and teachers.  
    
“It is essential therefore that the government takes immediate and urgent steps to mitigate the risk of Covid transmission and that it provides more support to minimise disruption in schools and colleges by such steps as:    

  • Providing government-funded air cleaning units to every school and college classroom that needs these devices. While we welcome the provision of a small number of these units to special educational needs and alternative provision settings, the government’s decision to signpost all other schools and colleges to purchase this equipment from an ‘online marketplace’ is simply not good enough. We also question why the Westminster government takes such a different line on face coverings in secondary schools to Scotland and Wales when they use the same evidence. 
  • Committing to providing schools with more resources in the event that on-site Covid testing is again required. Secondary schools have once again been left in the lurch at the beginning of the spring term by being asked to set up and staff testing stations with little support from the government.  
  • Providing improved financial support to schools and colleges for the costs of supply staff to cover for Covid-related absence. The current government scheme contains so many complex conditions that it is inaccessible in many circumstances.  
  • Making it clear that all schools or colleges due for an Ofsted inspection this term can request that the inspection is deferred, and that their request will be automatically granted. This will enable teachers and leaders to focus on the immediate and urgent task in hand – that of supporting their pupils and students – and remove the unnecessary pressure and distraction of unhelpful inspections at this time. 

“As a new year begins, we urge the government to work more collaboratively and constructively with education workforce representatives to keep schools and colleges open. By working side by side, we can remove unnecessary burdens and find solutions with government in the interests of all children and young people.” 

Pilton’s Wee Forests to help fight climate change

Three Wee Forests, including two in North Edinburgh, are to provide a range of benefits in the fight against climate change.

The City of Edinburgh Council, Earthwatch Europe, NatureScot and Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust kickstarted planting “Wee Forests” in the autumn, creating densely packed native forests – covering the size of a tennis court – built into urban spaces.

Edinburgh’s first three “Wee Forests” were planted over the last couple of months. These forests have been made possible through support from the BlackRock Charitable Trust, OVO Foundation – the charity arm of OVO Energy – and the Scottish Government.

The three Wee (or Tiny) Forests – which were planted at East Pilton Park, West Pilton Park and Mount Vernon supported by local residents and primary school pupils – will not only be attractive locations for wildlife, but for people too, and provide a range of benefits in the fight against climate change.

Wee Forests in Scotland are part of the global family of “Miyawaki Forests” or “Tiny Forests”. Following the method – with its emphasis on community engagement, co-design and careful soil preparation – means that Wee Forests meet a consistent global standard so their benefits can be measured and shared.

A Wee Forest is made up of 600 densely packed native trees in a space the size of a tennis court and is capable of attracting over 500 animal and plant species within the first three years. It also provides rich opportunities for engaging young and old alike with the environment and sustainability.

Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Donald Wilson, said: “These new Wee Forests will allow residents to be directly involved in tackling the nature and climate crises by being involved in the planting, maintaining and development of the forests in their own community.

“The Wee Forests will also help us work towards our goal of being a Million Tree City by 2030 and contribute towards the Queen’s Green Canopy in celebration of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next year.

“For each Wee Forest, we look to engage a core group of volunteers called Tree Keepers to act as ambassadors for their local forest. Volunteering as a Tree Keeper is a great chance to get more involved in your Wee Forest’s development and track the amazing environmental impact of the site and I would encourage everyone to find out more by contacting Earthwatch.”

Culture and Communities Vice Convener, Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan said: “Our green spaces are a hugely important part of our city and I’m delighted that we now have our first Wee Forests and are creating new spaces for people and wildlife.

“A Wee Forest brings the benefits of a forest – connecting people with nature, raising awareness of the environment, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change, and supporting urban wildlife – right in the heart of our community within urban spaces in the city.

“I’m delighted that more Wee Forests are planned and encourage our communities to get involved.”

Louise Hartley, Senior Programme Manager said: “Wee (Tiny) Forests provide rich opportunities for connecting young people with the environment and sustainability. It’s vital that we give people the knowledge and skills to protect our natural world and inspire them to take positive action from a young age.

“We are delighted to be working with Edinburgh City Council, the BlackRock Charitable Trust, OVO Foundation and NatureScot to bring these inspiring spaces to Edinburgh and other communities across the UK.”

Gemma Gooch, Co-Head Global Social Impact at BlackRock said: “As more and more people live in urban areas, Wee (Tiny) Forests have the potential to help capture carbon emissions, increase biodiversity and contribute to a more climate resilient society.

“We are very proud to support Earthwatch Europe with this initiative, reminding us that there are ways we can help fight climate change in our own local communities.

Gaby Sethi, Head of OVO Foundation, said: “We’re passionate about educating the younger generation on how to reduce their carbon footprint, protect the physical environment, and limit their impact on the planet.

“Tiny Forests help children learn about the environment and sustainability in a really accessible way. By planting Tiny Forests in urban communities across the UK with Earthwatch, we will help connect children with their local green spaces and show them how they can protect it for future generations.

NatureScot Chief Executive Francesca Osowska said: “The Covid 19 pandemic has shown us just how important it is for people’s health and well-being to have opportunities to connect with nature close to where they live.

“These Wee Forests are not only a great way to make space for nature in our towns and cities, but they’ll also help communities become more resilient to the impacts of climate change, which is particularly important as we look ahead to COP26 and the huge challenges and opportunities facing us.

Charlie Cumming, Chief Executive, Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust said: “We are delighted to be a local delivery partner for the Wee Forest project. The creation of the Wee Forest is very important for people and wildlife, particularly with it being in an urban environment.

“It will provide the local community and schools with the opportunity to help tackle nature loss and the current climate emergency as well as contributing to Scotland’s tree planting targets.

“It will enable people to engage with nature on their doorstep and inspire young people to take an active interest in their local environment.”

Arise, Sir Gregor!

First Minister congratulates recipients of Queen’s New Year Honours 2022

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has paid tribute to the many recipients of The Queen’s New Year Honours in Scotland, in the year of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee. 

The recipients include:

Professor Gregor Smith, Chief Medical Officer, who is awarded a Knighthood for services to public health. 

John-Paul Marks and Elizabeth Ditchburn who are among those who have been awarded a Companion of the Order of the Bath.  

Those honoured with a CBE include Dr John Mitchell, Professor Anne Elizabeth Magurran, Norman Loch Murray, Dr Elizabeth Kelly Cameron and Grahame Smith.

Those honoured with an OBE include Dr Syed Ahmed, Professor Ailsa Hall, Rohini Sharma Joshi, Paul Robert Reddish and John Scott.

Laura Catherine Baxter, Hilda Campbell, Matthew John Clark, Michaela Collins, John David Vernon Dent, Kathleen Dawson, Owen Miller and Duncan William MacNaughton Scott are among those who will receive MBEs.

While those receiving BEMs include Anne Elizabeth Doherty, Joseph Freedman, Davina Mary MacInnes Gillies, Eileen Ross Haggarty, Mary Elizabeth Kenyon and Josephine Robson.  

Assistant Chief Constable Judith Heaton, Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock and Chief Inspector Marlene Baillie will receive The Queen’s Police Medal and Patrick O’Meara, of the Scottish Ambulance Service, will receive The Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal. 

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The Queen’s New Year Honours list illustrates the outstanding contributions of those across Scotland who have made a difference to their communities throughout the country and beyond.  

“From those who work in the arts and music, community and charity, to those who have excelled in the fields of science and medicine, these Honours highlight truly exceptional service to the people of Scotland. 

“I am particularly delighted to see Scotland’s athletes who excelled at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo so well represented. 

“I’m also pleased to see those individuals who continue to do so much to help us in our fight against Covid receive the recognition they so richly deserve. We are all incredibly grateful for their selfless efforts and actions during a hugely challenging time, and it’s right that their outstanding contributions have been acknowledged in this way. 

“I also want to extend my congratulations to those personnel who have been awarded The Queen’s Fire, Police or Ambulance Service Medals. Our emergency services have displayed incredible fortitude throughout the pandemic, and deserve our continued appreciation for keeping people and communities across Scotland safe, every day of the year.”  

Recipients of The Queen’s New Year Honours in Scotland include:

A Knighthood for:

  • Professor Gregor Ian Smith for services to public health

Companions of the Order of the Bath (CB) include:

  • Elizabeth Jean Ditchburn for services to the Scottish economy
  • John-Paul Marks for services to welfare reform

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) include:

  • Dr Elizabeth Kelly Cameron for services to the promotion of Scotland and UK international trade
  • Professor Anne Elizabeth Magurran for services to biodiversity
  • Dr John Ruthven Mitchell for services to improving mental health in Scotland
  • Norman Loch Murray for services to the arts

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) include:

  • Dr Syed Ahmed for services to the Covid-19 vaccination programme
  • Helene Alexandra Marshall for services to maternity education in Scotland
  • Paul Robert Reddish for services to the voluntary and community sector during Covid-19
  • John Scott for political and public service

Among those to be made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) are:

  • Hilda Campbell for services to mental health and wellbeing in the community in Scotland during Covid-19
  • Matthew John Clark for services for politics
  • Michaela Collins for services to the community in Glasgow during Covid-19
  • Kathleen Mary Dawson for services to swimming and women in sport
  • John David Vernon Dent for services to veterans, students and people with disabilities
  • Duncan William MacNaughton Scott for services to swimming
  • Owen Miller for services to athletics

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) include:

  • Anne Elizabeth Doherty for services to Yorkhill Children’s Hospital and to the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow
  • Joseph Freedman for services to the Jewish community in Glasgow during Covid-19
  • Davina Mary MacInnes Gillies for services to Marie Curie Cancer Care and the community in Inverness and Ross-shire
  • Eileen Ross Haggarty for services to education and to the community in Dundee during Covid-19
  • Mary Elizabeth Kenyon for voluntary service to ex-service personnel and to the community in eastern Scotland
  • Peter Hunter Law for voluntary services to advanced higher physics education in Glasgow
  • Josephine Robson for services to foster care in Tweeddale.

Wee Oscar celebrates the best year of his life

A miserable year for most, but here’s an uplifiting story to bring 2021 to a happier close …

Oscar Edgar might be six, but he has just spent his first year doing the things other little boys do – playing football, going camping and making new friends.
 
A year ago little Oscar left the hospital that had been his home for five years. He had been a patient of the Royal Hospital for Children since his birth in April 2015 with an undiagnosed neurological / muscular / respiratory condition which meant he was ventilated until he was four and a half.
 
Mum Megan, from Glasgow, is now looking back on the 12 months, marvelling at all the ‘firsts’ she has been able to enjoy with her son.
 
Megan said: “Oscar has had the best year ever. We have been camping, had a cabin holiday with a hot tub, he’s met alpacas and had lots of other adventures.
 
“He’s also started playing football in a wee team, which he loves. He’s playing with a younger group of kids but that’s fine and he’s growing in confidence. Ronaldo is his favourite player and Rangers is his team, but no doubt that will change soon!
 
“Oscar and his brother Theo were also ring boys at my friend’s wedding in September – it was a really emotional day as we realised just how far he had come.
 
“Most importantly, he’s made a best friend – Annie. They just love each other and have a very special bond. Annie can understand everything he says, even when I can’t, which is amazing.”
 
Oscar’s journey to here has been a complex one and has involved clinical input from a number of different specialities. Still, over the last year, Oscar has had a number of trips to the Royal Hospital for Children, but for the majority of the time he’s been home with his family.
 
Megan added: “Of course this last year would not have been possible without the incredible support we have had from the amazing hospital staff. Even now, we know we can rely on them.
 
“Oscar is still terminally ill and for the last six months has also developed problems with air in his stomach. He had to have one operation but even then he was in and out in a day, with great care from the staff.
 
“They have also made so many things possible. We were told we might never get Oscar home, but with their help we have had an amazing year at home with him. While there were some lows, there were so many more highs.”
 
Oscar’s doctor is Phil Davies, who has treated him since he was born.
 
Dr Davies said: “It has been wonderful seeing Oscar at home with his family. He’s had a few ups and downs over the year but has done so well off his ventilator and it is a joy to see him living life to the full.”

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!

One jab every second as Scotland ‘boosts by the bells’

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has paid tribute to the people of Scotland for their collective effort and success in getting almost 2.98 million people “boosted by the bells”.

Thanks to the dedication of vaccinators and frontline staff across the country, the Scottish Government has met its target of offering every eligible young person and adult over 18 an appointment by the end of the year. 

And the unprecedented response to the call to get a booster or third COVID-19 vaccination to accelerate the country’s response to the new Omicron variant means nearly 77% of eligible adults had received a booster or third dose by 30 December.

The Scottish Government aimed to vaccinate as close to 80% of eligible adults with boosters by midnight on Hogmanay and had capacity to vaccinate more than 80% of eligible adults. However, high infection levels have meant thousands of people who were eligible to come forward for their booster had to delay their appointment.

Scotland leads the rest of the UK on 1st, 2nd, 3rd and booster doses, and continues to deliver one of the fastest and most successful vaccination programmes in the world. 

The rapid expansion of the booster programme and other vaccine doses will continue into the New Year and young people aged 12-15 who are still to get their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will now be invited to reschedule existing appointments or attend drop-in centres from Monday 3rd January 2022.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Since the emergence of the Omicron variant there has been an heroic and monumental effort by everyone on Scotland’s vaccination programme to make sure we can deliver booster vaccines as quickly as possible – my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the delivery of the programme and to everyone coming forward to be boosted.

“In the week ending 26 December – with staff quite rightly taking a break on Christmas Day and Boxing Day – and with many areas suffering high infection rates, we achieved record-breaking numbers of vaccinations, with 77,927 jabbed on the busiest day – that’s more than one every second during vaccine centre opening hours.

“We know that many people have been unable to attend their appointments due to the virus. This has been the most common reason for people cancelling their appointment via the helpline.  Anyone who has had to delay their booster due to a COVID-19 infection or isolation period can arrange a new appointment, 28 days after their positive PCR test.

“To deliver maximum benefits we need as many people as possible to get boosted as quickly as possible. It is everyone’s duty to get a jab if you haven’t already – vaccination could literally save your life as well as keeping family, friends and loved ones safe.

“And it is never too late to receive your booster – or even a first or second dose – so please come forward as soon as possible, as there is capacity available to get you vaccinated.”

Police: Hogmanay Safety Message

We will have dedicated teams of officers deployed on foot across the city centre to prevent disorder and provide reassurance to the public to make sure everyone can enjoy Hogmanay safely.

Superintendent Mark Rennie from St Leonard’s Police Station said: “Although planned events in Scotland’s capital have been cancelled this year as a result of the Coronavirus, we will have a significant police resource available to ensure everyone keeps safe during the night.

“Our officers will be joined by volunteers from Street Assist Edinburgh and other outreach services who will be on hand to offer help and support.

“We will also be supported by The City of Edinburgh Council who will have staff out including taxi marshals, environmental wardens, night time teams and CCTV operators to prevent incidents from escalating and to ensure that everyone gets home safely.

“If you are intending on visiting the city centre please ensure you plan your night, as licensed premises are operating at a significantly reduced capacity, with some operating a booking system.

“It is also important that you have a plan for getting home before you go out, keep your mobile phone charged, look after your valuables and keep an eye on how much alcohol you drink as overindulgence can impact on your behaviour.”

Prime Minister celebrates success of vaccine programme in New Year’s message

  • Prime Minister hails success of vaccine programme and heroic public response to booster campaign in New Year’s message
  • Comes as every eligible adult in England aged 18 and over has now had the chance to get a COVID-19 booster jab
  • Prime Minister reflects on global achievements of UK over the last year including fastest economic growth in the G7 and record investments in tech sector

The Prime Minister will deliver his New Year’s message today (Friday 31 December) where he will celebrate the achievements of the vaccination programme over the last year with over 7 in 10 eligible adults in England boosted so far – an increase of 8 million top up jabs (45%) since the target was brought forward on 12 December.

In his New Year’s message, he will announce we’ve met the target to offer the chance to get a COVID-19 booster to every eligible adult and urge those who haven’t yet been jabbed to take up the offer of a booster, or their first or second dose.

The Prime Minister will also reflect on the achievements of the UK throughout the past year. The UK has had the fastest economic growth in the G7, record employment levels and massive global investments in the British tech sector this year.

The Prime Minister will also urge people who are celebrating to exercise caution by taking a test, practicing good hygiene, and letting fresh air in, and to follow the COVID-19 guidance if they’re living in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, will say: “Happy New Year. 2022 is almost upon us. And whatever the challenges that fate continues to throw in our way and whatever the anxieties we may have about the weeks and months ahead, particularly about omicron and the growing numbers in hospitals…we can say one thing with certainty – our position this December the 31st is incomparably better than last year.

“This country has the fastest economic growth in the G7. We have more people in work now than there were before the pandemic began. And if you want a sign of future growth – look at the massive global investment in British high tech. Almost £30 billion into the UK tech sector this year – twice as much tech investment as Germany, three times as much as France.

“And there is one reason – one overriding reason – why the UK has been able to maintain the most open economy and society of any major European economy. And that is because the British people have responded heroically, voluntarily, and in almost incredible numbers to the call to get vaccinated.

“And as I speak tonight on New Year’s Eve, we’ve met our target, we’ve doubled the speed of the booster roll out. And it’s precisely because of that huge national effort that we can celebrate tonight at all. Though I must of course urge everyone to be cautious and to take a test if you are going out and to remember the importance of ventilation. Follow the rules if you are in Scotland or Wales or Northern Ireland.

“And I want to speak directly to all those who have yet to get fully vaccinated. The people who think the disease can’t hurt them – look at the people going into hospital now, that could be you. Look at the intensive care units and the miserable, needless suffering of those who did not get their booster, that could be you.

“So, make it your New Year’s resolution – far easier than losing weight or keeping a diary – find a walk-in centre or make an online appointment. Get that jab and do something that will make 2022 a happy New Year for us all.”

On 30 November, the government set out its ambition to offer all eligible adults the chance to get their booster by the end of January. This target was brought forward by the Prime Minister earlier this month in response to the emerging threat of the Omicron variant in order to protect the public as quickly as possible.

Some eligible people may not yet have been able to receive their booster yet due to catching COVID-19. The vaccination programme requires the majority of people infected with COVID-19 to wait 28 days following infection before receiving a vaccine.

After the 28 days have passed, people are encouraged to book their booster as soon as they can. Those eligible for a booster vaccine who have delayed making an appointment because of other acute illnesses are also encouraged to book as soon as they are fully recovered.

It is vital to get a first and second jab, in order to be eligible for a booster to get the vital protection against Omicron. Recent UKHSA data shows people who are unvaccinated are up to eight times more likely to be hospitalised than those who are fully vaccinated.

SUCCESS? UK daily Covid cases reached another record high of 189,846 on Friday with 203 deaths reported within 28 days of a positive test …

Happy New Year from Castle of Light

In the absence of the roar of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay street party, Rex, the lovable lion rampant, has taken centre stage to wish everyone a Happy New Year on behalf of Castle of Light.

Rex is on the decks playing a short set from the Castle of Light: Hidden Treasures’ finale scene, including samples from some of the recent treasured music acts that have played at the Edinburgh Castle esplanade, such as Blondie, Simply Red and The Proclaimers, in a megamix fit for bringing in the bells.

With just a few dates remaining to experience the outdoor illuminated trail, find out more and get your tickets at CastleofLight.scot.

Castle of Light: Hidden Treasures continues on 7, 8 and 9 January 2022.