Secondary pupils are being advised to take at-home COVID-19 tests before they return to school to limit the spread of Omicron.
Those without symptoms should do a lateral flow device (LFD) test the night before or on the morning of the return to classes following the festive break. After that, testing should be done twice weekly.
All LFD test results – positive, negative or void – should be recorded via the online portal.
Staff in schools and early learning and childcare settings should follow the same advice.
Anyone who receives a positive LFD test result, those with symptoms, or those identified as close contacts should immediately self-isolate and book a PCR test.
Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “It is our absolute priority to keep schools safely open and minimise further disruption to learning. To achieve that, we need the help of the whole school community. Taking lateral flow tests before returning to school, and continuing to test regularly will help prevent outbreaks of the virus.
“We are grateful to schools for their continued efforts to stress the importance of asymptomatic testing. Parents of secondary pupils can also help by encouraging their children to make testing part of their weekly routine – and, importantly, to report all results online, whether positive, negative or void.
“Safety guidance for schools was updated in December in light of Omicron and it is crucial that all the mitigations are strictly followed. These include physical distancing, one-way systems and the correct use of face coverings.
“By testing regularly and following the mitigations, pupils and staff can all play their part in keeping themselves, their families and their schools safe.”
Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Gregor Smith said: “With Omicron spreading so rapidly, it is vital that we all do what we can to limit its transmission. Rapid lateral flow testing helps us to find infectious cases that might otherwise have been missed, as around one in three people with COVID-19 does not show classic symptoms.
“That’s why it is really important that secondary pupils and school and early learning and childcare staff take lateral flow tests before they return to classes and settings after the break, and that they keep testing regularly throughout term.
“They should also take LFD tests before they meet up with others outside of school or ELC settings.
“Pupils and staff who are eligible for vaccination should get their jags, and, where appropriate, boosters as soon as they can to receive greater protection from the virus.
“Those aged 12-15 are being offered second doses of the vaccine from this week and I would urge them to take up the offer.
“Drop-in sessions will be available for this age group from today (January 3 2022), while those who have already been given a date for their second jag can call a helpline to bring their appointment forward and get protection from the virus earlier.”
LFD tests should only be used if you don’t have symptoms.You must NOT use a LFD test if you:
have symptoms – you must self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test
have been asked to self-isolate because you are a close contact of a positive case. You must self-isolate and book a PCR test
If you receive a positive LFD test result, you must self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test.
If parents or pupils haven’t already been provided with LFD kits by their schools, they can be accessed in a range of different ways before returning to school. Information on accessing test kits
Drop-in vaccination sessions will be available for 12-15-year-olds from January 3 2022. Those who have already received a scheduled appointment can bring it forward by calling 0800 030 8013.
NHS Inform and local health board websites will provide further details of where drop-in sessions are available in each area.
Following JCVI advice, this age group can get their second vaccination from 12 weeks after their first dose.
Anyone under the age of 18 who has previously tested positive for COVID must wait 12 weeks from infection to be given their second dose
Testing measures to ensure young people return to classrooms in England
All secondary schools in England have been asked to provide one on-site test for pupils ahead of their return to the classroom this term to help reduce the transmission of Covid-19.
Education staff and college students are being asked to self-test at home before they return, and were sent home with tests ahead of the Christmas break.
Schools and colleges ordered tests before Christmas and have received these in advance of pupils returning, and will continue to be able to order additional tests through a separate supply route. Schools and colleges made test kits available to pupils before the end of term and they will have access to more as needed.
Students returning to university have also been advised to test before they travel back to campus.
Secondary, college and university students and education staff and early years staff should then continue to test themselves twice a week, and more frequently if they are specifically asked to do so, such as in the event of an outbreak.
12-15 year olds are encouraged to get fully vaccinated (two doses), to ensure they are protected. 16 and 17 year olds are now eligible for boosters and are being strongly encourage to take up this offer when invited to do so, along with university students.
Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said: “Being in face to face learning is undoubtedly the very best place for children and young people’s education and wellbeing, and my priority remains on keeping early years settings, schools, colleges and universities open so that face-to-face education can continue.
As we enter this new term, I want to thank all staff working in education for their continued dedication and resilience. It is through the hard work of all of you that we have ensured, and will continue to ensure pupils and students get the learning that they deserve. We must continue to look forward and not forget how far we have come in our fight against this virus.
The very best way we can continue to protect ourselves and our families is by getting the booster, or second jab if you are aged 12-15 – as soon as possible. I urge anyone who hasn’t done this to do so now.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “We are doing all we can to minimise disruption this virus causes to everyday life, including keeping children in school, and regular testing is a key way to support schools and protect face-to-face teaching.
“Vaccines remain our greatest line of defence so I urge all 12-15 year olds who have not come forward yet to get vaccinated, and all teachers to Get Boosted Now to protect yourself and those around you.
Children’s Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza DBE said: Children have told me how much they really value and appreciate school as a place to learn, build friendships and take part in activities that benefit their physical and mental wellbeing.
“As Children’s Commissioner and having run schools all my life, I’m always excited about the start of a new term and the return to school. I am especially focused on this one, as it is so important schools are open and ready to welcome children.
“We are so fortunate to have great teachers and parents who have already done so much to have children back in the classroom, and former teachers happy to volunteer extra support to keep children there. I want our classrooms open and operating because I firmly believe it is where all children belong and want to be. We owe it to them to make sure this happens.”
Proportionate safety measures will also remain in schools, colleges and universities to help reduce the transmission of the virus, including increased ventilation and good hygiene, with older students and staff wearing face coverings.
All early years settings, schools, colleges, and universities are advised to continue to follow the latest guidance set out by the department which is kept regularly under review.
Due to the increasing challenges faced as a result of the new Omicron variant, and in order to protect the safety of our patients and staff, the difficult decision has been taken to operate essential-only visiting from Wednesday 5 January 2022 in our adult hospital wards.
This change will include maternity services meaning only one essential visitor will be permitted in all parts of the maternity pathway.
Jennifer Rodgers, Deputy Nurse Director at NHSGGC, said: “This has been one of the hardest decisions to take but it is essential to help protect our patients, visitors and staff. We recognise how difficult this is for patients and the people that matter most to them and we will keep this under close review so that restrictions are not in place any longer than is necessary.
“This decision has been reached in conjunction with senior infection control, public health, clinical and operational teams, and in the best interests of patient wellbeing.
Jennifer added: “Essential visiting arrangements will be applied flexibly and compassionately, and each patient’s needs considered on their own merits. Carers, those providing essential care or emotional support, or spiritual care are not considered to be visitors and will continue to be permitted to attend a patient in hospital.
“Essential visits will be supported wherever possible and include the following illustrative examples:
A birth partner supporting a woman during hospital visits and throughout the maternity pathway
A person receiving end-of-life care – we expect this to be defined as flexibly and compassionately as possible, to support patients at the end of life spending meaningful time with their loved ones in their final days, weeks or months
To support someone with a mental health issue, or dementia, or a learning disability or autism, where not being present would cause the patient to be distressed
To accompany a child in hospital
In general situations when someone is receiving information about life-changing illness or treatments.
In these and other similar situations where support from another person is essential for advocacy and wellbeing, family support should be facilitated.
Evelyn Frame, Chief Midwife said: “We understand that support from birthing partners has a positive impact on a woman’s experience so making this decision has been very difficult but, as this variant seems to be more transmissible, our priority has to be keeping our women and staff as safe as possible.
“For our inpatient areas we encourage a person-centred, flexible visiting approach and within ante-natal and post-natal visiting continues but only the birthing partner will be allowed. No other visitors will be allowed including siblings. During labour and birth only one birthing partner will also be allowed to stay throughout the whole labour experience.
“In our outpatient areas – anyone coming for a scan, early pregnancy or day care, or perhaps an outpatient appointment with one of our physiotherapist, dietician, midwife or obstetrician there is no change and you can bring your birthing partner for the duration of your appointment.
“Anyone with questions about visiting arrangements should speak to their midwife.”
Angela O’Neil Deputy Nurse Director said: “we recognise how difficult it is for families being apart, especially when their loved one is unwell.
“Where possible ward staff will continue to support patients to maintain contact with those closest to them however due to the extreme pressures staff are under if may not be possible to give an exact time or day when a video call or telephone call can be guaranteed.
“We are sorry for any distress this may cause and of course, staff will always try to facilitate these calls where possible, however we ask for your understanding while we try to manage under very challenging circumstances. Further information on arranging a virtual visit can be found on the NHSGGC Webpages
“The successful ‘Give and Go Service’ available earlier in the pandemic will be remobilised for family to drop-off essential personal items for patients and to pick up laundry etc.
“The service will be available from Wednesday 5 January 2022, and thereafter Monday – Friday as follows:
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (main atrium) – items should also be dropped off here for patients in the INS – available between12pm – 4pm
Glasgow Royal Infirmary (medical block entrance) – available between12pm – 5pm
Royal Alexandra Hospital (main hospital foyer) – available between12pm – 5pm
Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre (main entrance), available between8.30am – 3.30pm, and
Local arrangements will be in operation in all other sites.
“Please speak to ward staff who will advise of local arrangements for dropping off and collecting belongings.
“It should be noted Current visiting arrangements will remain in place until Tuesday 4 January 2022. These are as follows:
Patients in shared accommodation such as nightingale type wards and 4 and 6 bedded bays will be able to have essential visits only
Patients in single room accommodation will be able to benefit from the support of one visitor. This visitor can change each day.
Two visitors per day is recommended for patients in paediatrics, neonates and maternity wards.
Mental Health, Addictions and Learning Disabilities staff will make a visiting plan with each patient based on their individual needs and circumstance, and the local risks that present in each ward.
In line with infection prevention and control practice, wards with current active infection cases are required to temporarily restrict visiting to essential visits only
As always, there may be some individual patients who are particularly vulnerable to the risks of infection. For these patients, visiting will remain at essential visits only.
“We would like to thank our patients and their loved ones in advance for their patience and support during this incredibly difficult and challenging time.”
Additional information can be found on the NHSGGC Visiting Webpages and on our social media channels.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has pledged up to £105 million of UK emergency aid to help vulnerable countries tackle the Omicron Covid-19 variant, with a particular focus on Africa.
The vital aid will be delivered through trusted partners and will:
Scale-up testing – especially in parts of Africa where testing rates for Covid-19 remain lowest – allowing health systems to track and respond to the spread of the virus more effectively. This is in addition to the UK’s world-leading genomic sequencing support.
Improve access to oxygen supplies for ventilators – a surge in demand for oxygen is a significant risk for some countries.
Provide communities with hygiene advice, products and access to handwashing facilities and support deep cleaning in schools, health centres and other public places. This will build on the successful global hygiene campaign between UK aid and Unilever which has reached over 1.2 billion people since its launch in 2020.
Fund the UK’s ground-breaking science and research into the spread of variants like Omicron to enable innovative evidence-based policy responses in low and middle-income countries.
Ready the UK’s own expert emergency teams for deployment overseas to crisis hotspots, including with new medical equipment.
The UK Government has also confirmed today that over 30 million vaccines have been delivered so far as part of the UK’s pledge to donate 100 million doses to the world, benefitting more than 30 countries.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: “The UK is providing vital assistance to help tackle the spread of new variants around the world. This is key to securing our freedom and ending this pandemic once and for all.
“I am proud that we have also delivered over 30 million vaccines to benefit our friends around the world this year. The UK is helping other countries most in need. No one is safe until everyone is safe.”
Doses donated by the UK have reached four continents and provided vital protection from Covid-19 in countries including Angola, Cambodia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Indonesia, Malawi, Nepal, and Rwanda.
Of the more than 30 million doses now donated, 24.6 million have been received by COVAX for delivery to countries and 5.5 million have been shared directly with countries in need including Kenya, Jamaica, and Indonesia.
Millions more vaccines will be sent to other countries in 2022, including 20 million Oxford-AstraZeneca doses and 20 million Janssen doses.
The UK has been at the forefront of the global response to Covid-19. Today’s announcement builds on the £1.3 billion in UK aid committed to the international health response early on in the pandemic, supporting vaccines, health systems and economic recovery in developing countries.
The Government also invested more than £88 million to support the development of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, and the UK became the first country in the world to approve the jab a year ago today.
Thanks to AstraZeneca’s commitment distribute the vaccine on a non-profit basis, 2.5 billion doses have been used in more than 170 countries, two thirds of which are low- and middle-income countries.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “The global pandemic has challenged health systems around the world and the best way to overcome this awful disease is to unite and stand side by side with our international partners.
“By supporting countries with the UK’s ground breaking science and research into the spread of variants, improving access to oxygen and scaling up testing we will help those most in need chart their course out of the pandemic.
“I am proud that we have already delivered over 30 million vaccines to our friends abroad. The UK, as a global leader, is helping other countries most in need. No one is safe until everyone is safe.”
Dr Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, said: “We welcome the UK’s commitment in new funding to protect the most vulnerable, particularly in Africa; the UK’s continued focus on COVAX and equitable global access to COVID19 vaccines, both through early financing commitments made at UNGA 2020, as well as meeting the Prime Minister’s G7 commitment to dose sharing – the 30m target set by the end of 2021.
“We look forward to operationalising the remainder of the UK’s dose sharing commitment via COVAX in 2022, while we also work with the UK Government on continuing to support Gavi’s ambitious 2021- 2025 routine vaccination programmes, of which the United Kingdom is the largest funder through the PM’s commitment made at the UK-hosted Global Vaccine Summit in June 2020.”
Statement given by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to the Scottish Parliament Edinburgh on 29 December 2021
Thank you very much Presiding Officer.
I will give our latest assessment today on the spread of Omicron and, in light of that, I can confirm no immediate changes to the protections currently in force or the advice we are giving the public.
However, I will also talk about the data we will be monitoring closely in the days ahead as we assess the likely impact of this wave of infection and the continued necessity and proportionality of our response.
I will also briefly summarise the protective measures which took effect earlier this week to help slow spread, and provide some further detail of the support available to businesses.
Finally, I will report on the delivery of booster vaccinations.
First, though, today’s statistics. 15,849 positive cases were reported yesterday – 28.9% of all tests carried out.
Now it’s worth noting that the much higher test positivity experienced over recent days may be partially explained by people being more selective about when to go for a test over the Christmas period.
However, this is by some margin the highest overall daily case number reported in the pandemic to date.
679 people are currently in hospital with Covid – which is 80 more than yesterday.
And 36 people are in intensive care – 1 fewer than yesterday.
I will say more shortly about the numbers of people with Covid in hospital and why this is an important indicator as we judge the most proportionate response going forward.
Sadly though, a further 3 deaths have been reported, taking the total number of deaths under this daily definition to 9,836.
And once again, I want to send my condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one.
Presiding Officer
It is clear from these figures that the wave of Omicron that has been predicted is now rapidly developing.
Omicron now counts for around 80% of all cases and over the past week the number of reported cases overall has increased by 47%.
We should also bear in mind that any transmission over recent days will not yet be fully evident in the reported figures.
So it is reasonable to assume that we will continue to see steep increases in cases in the days and indeed possibly in the weeks ahead.
That said, it is also important to remember that our individual and collective behavior will influence how fast or otherwise the virus spreads.
The current surge would almost certainly be even higher, but for so many people following advice to cut down on social interactions in the run up to Christmas.
And given the speed and extent of the transmission we are experiencing now, it is really vital that we all continue to take sensible precautions and limit social interactions for a further period, as we learn more about the likely impact of this wave of infection and as we complete the booster vaccination programme.
Presiding Officer
Obviously one of the factors we are looking at most closely is the proportion of Omicron cases that require hospital treatment. This will tell us more about the severity of Omicron for individuals and also about the overall impact that it is likely to have on the NHS. This will therefore inform our ongoing response.
Before I say more about that, though, it is worth emphasising that there are other reasons to do all we can at this stage to slow down the spread.
Firstly, whatever the overall impact of Omicron turns out to be, we know that this virus will cause serious illness and death for some. We also know that for others, long Covid will cause ongoing suffering.
Secondly, we know that high levels of infection and therefore sickness absence, will be disruptive to the economy and the delivery of critical services – and I will say more later about how we are seeking to mitigate this.
However, as things stand, none of us should be complacent about getting Covid. We should take steps to avoid it if we can.
There is no doubt however, that the data we are looking at most closely just now is the conversion of cases into hospital admissions.
And there are here some grounds for optimism.
Over the past week, published studies have suggested that the risk of hospitalization from Omicron is lower – possibly significantly lower – than for other strains of the virus.
What is not yet fully understood is why this might be the case – whether it is because Omicron is inherently less severe, or because of its greater ability to infect those who have had prior infection or been vaccinated which means that more of those who get it carry a level of immunity that protects them from more serious illness.
We don’t yet know the answer to that but, either way, if it is the case that a much lower proportion of people with Omicron need hospital care compared to other strains of the virus, that is really good news – especially as Omicron is now the dominant strain and good news both in terms of individual health and overall impact.
And of course it would inform how we respond in the weeks ahead.
However – and this remains key – for at least the next couple of weeks, we do need to show continued caution as we assess in real time the impact that these higher case numbers will have on the NHS.
It is encouraging that, at least until now, the rise in cases experienced over the past few weeks has not translated into a corresponding rise in hospital admissions or occupancy.
On the contrary, the number of people in hospital with Covid has so far remained broadly stable.
However, again, we do need to exercise caution.
The numbers in hospital with Covid in England is now rising quite sharply – which may be a sign of things to come here.
And indeed today’s reported increase in hospital occupancy of 80 is the biggest we have seen for some time.
And we know that there is a time lag between rising cases and rising hospital admissions.
And, of course, in terms of sheer numbers, the benefits of a lower rate of hospitalization could be quickly cancelled out by the much higher case numbers resulting from significantly increased transmissibility.
So we will be monitoring all of this data very carefully in the days to come.
As well as looking at the headline numbers, we will also be interrogating the detail – for example, the breakdown between those in hospital because of Covid, and those in hospital who have Covid but who were admitted for different reasons; and also whether the average length of stay in hospital for those with Omicron is different to other variants.
All in all, I would expect that within the next couple of weeks, we will have a clearer picture and that this will then help us reach informed judgments about the most proportionate response going forward.
In the meantime, however, while we better understand the impacts and while more and more of us get the added protection of booster vaccinations – which will of course help reduce the impacts of Omicron – we must try to avoid the sheer volume of cases overwhelming us.
That is why it is prudent, indeed I would say it is essential, that we do act to slow transmission at this stage as much as possible.
Indeed that is why additional protections were announced last week and are now in force and I will summarise these shortly.
And it is also why, over Hogmanay and New Year’s day, and for at least the first week of January, we are advising everyone to stay at home more than normal, to reduce contacts with people outside our own households, and to limit the size of any indoor social gatherings that do take place so that they don’t include people from any more than 3 households. Also try to ventilate indoor spaces as much as possible.
And it remains our advice – our strong advice – that lateral flow tests should be taken just before meeting up with anyone from another household.
And if that shows a positive result, it is vital to immediately isolate and book a PCR test.
You should also isolate and book a PCR test if you have symptoms that might be Covid.
Following this advice is difficult and frustrating at the best of times I know. But it is even harder at this time of year.
But it really does help and it will be helping already not withstanding these very high case numbers. So please do stick with it for now.
In addition to this general advice to the public, the new protective measures relating to hospitality, public indoor places, and live events that I set out last week are now in force. We will review these on an ongoing basis but, at this stage, our expectation is that they will be in force until 17 January.
That means, for now, limits on the size of live public events – though private life events such as weddings are exempt.
For indoor standing events the limit is 100; for indoor seated events 200; and for outdoor events it is 500 seated or standing.
I know some question the rationale for this – so let me set it out again.
Firstly, the higher transmissibility of Omicron means that large gatherings have a much greater potential to become rapid super-spreader events.
Second, there are transmission risks associated with travel to and from such events.
And, thirdly, they do place significant demands on emergency services – such as the police and ambulance service. At a time when emergency services are already dealing with high levels of staff absence due to the virus, not having large scale public events allows these services to focus on the delivery of core services to the public.
As well as limits on large events, some further protections are now in force for hospitality settings and other indoor public places.
A requirement for table service has been reintroduced for venues that serve alcohol for consumption on the premises.
And guidance has been issued to the effect that indoor hospitality and leisure venues should ensure 1m distance between different groups of customers. So one group – whether it is made up of one, two or three households – should be physically distanced from other such groups in the same venue.
Finally, unfortunately, nightclubs are now closed until 17 January, unless they have decided to remain open, without dancing, as hospitality premises – in which case they will follow the same rules and guidance as other hospitality venues.
All of these protections are important to help us deal with and reduce the impact of the public health challenge that Covid represents.
However, they also have a very significant impact on businesses.
Two weeks ago, I announced £100 million to support businesses affected by the advice to minimize contacts over the festive period. We have already detailed the allocation of that.
However, last week, I announced a further £275 million of support and I can give further detail today of how the first £100 million of that additional support is being allocated.
£16 million will be made available to support public transport providers through existing Covid support schemes.
£27 million will go to the culture sector, and a further £17 million to the events sector.
A further £32 million will be allocated to hospitality and leisure businesses, with an additional £10 million for those parts of the hospitality industry most severely impacted by the requirement for table service.
And up to £5 million will be allocated to nightclubs required to close.
We are also working closely with the sport sector. Sporting events are obviously affected by the limit on spectators, and also by cancellations due to Covid absences – however we also know that some of this impact will be alleviated by the rescheduling of events. So we want to make sure that the support we provide is effectively targeted and we will be confirming further details soon.
In total, we have now reached decisions on the allocation of £207 million of the £375 million being made available for business support.
And councils are now working to get that money into bank accounts as fast as possible.
Decisions on the allocation of the remaining funds will be confirmed following consultation with affected sectors on how it can best be targeted.
Presiding Officer
I know how difficult all of this for businesses.
And I wish it wasn’t necessary and I hope it isn’t necessary for long.
But there simply isn’t an easy tradeoff between protecting health and protecting the economy.
If Covid continues to spread rapidly, the economic impact in the form of staff absences and diminished consumer confidence will be severe and we’re already seeing those impacts.
So doing nothing won’t help business.
We must protect public health and the economy together – by slowing the speed at which Covid is spreading, while we complete the booster programme.
Presiding Officer
There are two further issues I want to touch on this afternoon.
I mentioned earlier the need to mitigate the impact of staff absences on the economy and critical services.
Now, obviously, the best way of doing this is by stemming transmission.
But we must also ensure the requirements for isolation are proportionate.
I indicated last week that we were weighing the risks and benefits of shortening the isolation period for index cases, and also potentially easing the requirement for all household contacts to isolate following a positive case.
These are finely balanced judgments and we are considering the current trends in infection carefully. However, I can confirm that we do hope to reach decisions in the next week with any changes taking effect from 5 January.
And we will keep Parliament updated.
In the meantime we have introduced a sectoral exemption scheme, subject to appropriate protections.
And I can confirm today a further change that will help ensure the exemption scheme – which is dependent on speedy turnaround of PCR tests – is effective.
The current surge in cases means testing capacity – sampling and processing capacity – is under pressure.
So we are now prioritising some slots for essential workers – such as NHS and transport staff – as well as for those who are clinically vulnerable or eligible for new Covid treatments.
And this ensures that essential workers get the test results they need to qualify for an exemption promptly.
This is a sensible step to take at this stage.
However, notwithstanding this priority for essential workers, let me stress that testing remains available for anyone who needs it.
If you try to book a test, and can’t find a slot available in a location you can get to, do try again later. Additional PCR test slots are released throughout the day.
Test & Protect is also, for now, focusing its telephone tracing on high risk settings, such as care homes.
The majority of us, if we test positive, will be contacted by text or e-mail, rather than by phone.
So if you are contacted by Test & Protect – either as a positive case or a close contact – please do respond and complete the online form, and make sure you follow all advice given.
The final point and the vital point indeed that I want to update on today is the progress of the vaccination programme.
Before I do so though, let me address this point. I’ve heard people ask in recent days what the purpose of booster vaccination is if we still have to restrict our activities for a period.
And I understand that question. But it is the answer that it is vital for all of us to understand.
Firstly, getting a booster doesn’t mean we won’t get Covid – though it will reduce the chances of that. But what it does do is significantly enhance our protection against serious illness. Getting boosted could quite literally save your life.
Because it doesn’t completely stop us getting or passing on the virus, those not fully vaccinated are still at significant risk. We won’t get the full benefit of the booster programme as a country until the maximum number of us are fully vaccinated. Which does mean that anyone choosing not to be vaccinated without good reason is acting irresponsibly. But the key point is this, until the programme is completed, and we are getting closer to that every day, we still need to slow down the spread.
In recent weeks there has been a huge increase in booster appointments and I want to put on record again my thanks to everyone involved in the delivery of the programme and to everyone coming forward to be boosted.
75% of those eligible for a booster or a third dose have now received one.
That represents excellent progress, but to deliver maximum benefits we need as many people as possible to get boosted as quickly as possible.
We want to get to – or close as possible to – the target of having 80% of eligible adults boosted by the bells.
Getting there depends on both capacity and demand.
Let me make it clear, we definitely have enough capacity now to meet that target.
What we need between now and the end of the week is high demand – eligible people who aren’t yet boosted to come forward now and get the jag.
High numbers of positive cases are making things more difficult – because if you get the virus, you can’t get the vaccine for a period afterwards.
So cancellation and do not attend rates have been creeping up this week as case numbers have risen.
But to everyone out there who isn’t yet boosted but could be – please book an appointment now or go to a drop in clinic.
If you have an appointment booked for January, please reschedule it for this week. There are plenty of slots available.
Please, please don’t delay. Every single booster jag administered now is a step on the road back to normality.
And remember if you haven’t had your first or second jag yet, it’s never too late for that either. Please make sure you get those now.
Presiding Officer, To draw my remarks to a conclusion, it’s an understatement to say that the situation we face now is not what any of us want.
And, I have to be clear, that the period immediately ahead will not be an easy one. That said I do hope that the clearer picture we will have in the next couple of weeks will also prove to be a much more positive picture.
And we can all help make it so.
So please, do get fully vaccinated.
Do it this week. The more of us who are boosted, the less severe the impact of Omicron will be and the sooner we will all return to normality.
Secondly, please test regularly.
The advice, if you are meeting other people, is to test before you go, every single time.
And take your test as close as possible, to the time you will be seeing other people. This is really important if you are planning to meet people from other households over Hogmanay. Although I would encourage you to please minimise that.
And finally, take all the other precautions which can help make a difference.
Work from home whenever possible.
Stay at home right now more than normal and reduce your contacts as much as possible – as I said even over Hogmanay.
If you do visit indoor public places, limit the number of households in your group to 3 at most.
Wear a face covering on public transport, in shops, and when moving around in hospitality. And make sure the covering fully covers your mouth and nose.
Keep windows open if you are meeting indoors. And follow all advice on hygiene.
Sticking to this is really hard.
But it does keep us safer and gives us the ability to slow down the spread of the virus as we complete the all-important booster programme.
Presiding Officer
This has – and this is another understatement – been another really difficult year. But despite these renewed challenges that we face now I do firmly believe – largely because of vaccination – that 2022 will be a better year. Let me conclude by thanking everyone again for all of the sacrifices made over this year and by wishing everyone a very happy new year when it comes.
Thank you Presiding Officer.
Daily reported Covid cases in the UK jumped to a record 183,037 on Wednesday.
2022 is set to the ‘year of the squeeze’, with real wages set to be no higher next Christmas than today, and families face a typical income hit of around £1,200 a year from April as a result of tax rises and soaring energy bills, according to new Resolution Foundation research published today.
The Foundation’s latest quarterly Labour Market Outlook looks ahead to how workers and families will be affected by the big economic shifts in 2022.
It notes that while Omicron is rightly at the forefront of people’s minds at present, it is unlikely to be the defining economic feature of next year as the wave is expected to be relatively short-lived.
Instead, 2022 will be defined as the ‘year of the squeeze’ for family budgets, with inflation set to peak at 6 per cent in Spring 2022 (its highest level since 1992) and pay packets stagnating as a result.
The report notes that real wage growth was flat in October, almost certainly started falling last month, and is unlikely to start growing again until the final quarter of 2022. As a result, real wages are on course to be just 0.1 per cent higher at the end of 2022 than at the start.
By the end of 2024, real wages are set to be £740 a year lower than had the UK’s (already sluggish) pre-pandemic pay growth continued. This shows just how much the Covid-19 crisis has scarred pay packets across Britain, says the Foundation.
The peak of the squeeze will come in April, says the report, which risks being a cost of living catastrophe as energy bills and taxes rise steeply overnight.
The cap on energy bills is expected to rise by around £500 a year. Coupled with a further £100 rise to recoup the costs associated with energy firm failures, this could mean a typical energy bill rising by around £600 a year.
This rise will fall disproportionately on low-income families as they spend far more of their income on energy. The share of income spent on energy bills among the poorest households is set to rise from 8.5 to 12 per cent – three times as high as the share spent by the richest households.
Higher-income families will instead by disproportionately affected by rising tax bills in April. The average combined impact of the freeze to income tax thresholds and the 1.25 per cent increase in personal National Insurance contributions is £600 per household. For families in the top half of the income distribution, the NI rise alone will raise tax bills by £750 on average.
The Foundation says the scale of this April cost of living catastrophe, at a time of falling real wages, means the government is likely to have to act.
While there is little the Chancellor can do in the short-term to tame inflation or boost wage growth, the welcome 6.6 per cent rise in the National Living Wage next April should protect the lowest earners from shrinking pay packets.
The top priority for further action should be tackling rising energy bills, says the Foundation. Options for doing so include:
Reducing the size of the energy cap rise directly. Compensating energy suppliers for a six month, £200 reduction would cost around £2.7 billion, or £450 million if focused on lower-income households on Universal Credit.
Extending the time period over which the costs of supplier failures are recouped, with the £100 bill rise reflecting a policy of recouping costs over a single year.
Moving environmental and social levies currently added to electricity bills into general taxation, saving households £160 per year and costing up £4.5 billion per year.
Extending and increasing the Warm Homes Discount.
Torsten Bell, Chief Executive of the Resolution Foundation, said:“2022 will begin with Omicron at the forefront of everyone’s minds. But while the economic impact of this new wave is uncertain, it should at least be short-lived. Instead, 2022 will be defined as the ‘year of the squeeze’.
“The overall picture is likely to be one of prices surging and pay packets stagnating. In fact, real wages have already started falling, and are set to go into next Christmas barely higher than they are now.
“The peak of the squeeze will be in April, as families face a £1,200 income hit from soaring energy bills and tax rises. So large is this overnight cost of living catastrophe that it’s hard to see how the Government avoids stepping in.
“Top of the Government’s New Year resolutions should be addressing April’s energy bills hike, particularly for the poorest households who will be hardest hit by rising gas and electricity bills.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will update MSPs on the battle to contain the Omicron variant when she addresses Holyrood this afternoon. Despite a huge push to get more people ‘boosted before the Bells’ and the introduction of tighter restrictions, COVID case numbers continue to rise.
Provisional data for 28 December indicates a continued high level of cases of COVID-19 being recorded. The daily totals for each of the 25, 26, 27 and 28 December are the highest recorded in Scotland since the start of the pandemic.
Given that not everyone with symptoms books a test, and that some people can be infected and not have symptoms, the true number of infections is likely to be higher still.
The figures are:
25 December 2021: 8,252 cases
26 December 2021: 11,030 cases
27 December 2021: 10,562 cases
28 December 2021: 9,360 cases
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “While these figures remain provisional, the significantly increased transmissibility of Omicron is reflected in the steep increase in cases now materialising, and we would expect to see case numbers rise further in the days to come.
“I am grateful for the continued efforts of the public in complying with the guidance issued in the run up to Christmas. Without this, it is likely that the figures would have been even higher.
“These figures serve to underline the importance of people continuing to get ‘boosted by the Bells’ and following the guidance to help slow the spread of COVID while we complete the accelerated booster programme.
“I know it is hard, but it is really important people continue to comply with the guidance over the New Year period. We must not underestimate the impact of Omicron.
“Even if the rate of hospitalisation associated with it is lower than past strains of the virus, case numbers this high will still put an inevitable further strain on the NHS, and create significant levels of disruption due to sickness absence across the economy and critical services.
“In addition to observing good hand hygiene and wearing face coverings, please limit your contacts as much as possible, keep any essential indoor gatherings to a maximum of three households, and get boosted by the Bells.”
Ms Sturgeon with address members of the Scottish Parliament at 2pm this afternoon. Those looking for stronger action are likely to be disappointed, however …
Figures for festive period are the highest daily totals recorded in Scotland since the start of the pandemic
With just four days left to get ‘boosted by the bells’ all remaining over-18s are being urged to come along for their COVID-19 booster.
Latest published figures show 73.5% of eligible adults aged 18 and above in Scotland have now received their booster or third dose, giving them the best possible protection against coronavirus.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf visited the vaccination centre at the Dewars Centre in Perth yesterday to thank staff for their ongoing efforts over the Christmas period, and encourage people to keep coming forward.
Mr Yousaf said: “Since the emergence of the Omicron variant there has been a monumental effort by everyone on Scotland’s vaccination programme to make sure we can deliver booster vaccines as quickly as possible. That’s because it is the single best way to protect people’s health, and the NHS.
“This week we are calling on everyone in the country to rally round and do their bit by coming forward for their booster dose.
“I know that many people will have some well-deserved time off at this time of year. And if you haven’t yet had your covid booster, there is bound to be a vaccination clinic or drop-in centre near to you. Please have a look on the online portal to book an appointment, or check your local NHS board’s social media channels to find out where the vaccine is being offered, so you can join the thousands of others who have been boosted by the bells.
“If you’ve yet to have your first or second dose, it still isn’t too late for that either. Our vaccination teams are waiting for you, so please come along. The sooner you have your first dose, the sooner you can then get your second, and then your booster, for the extra protection that gives.”
Provisional data released yesterday indicates an increasing number of COVID-19 cases. Figures for 25, 26 and 27 December are the highest daily totals recorded in Scotland since the start of the pandemic.
While the figures for each day covers tests reported in the preceding 24 hour period, the lag in reporting means that the majority of these cases will relate to tests done before the Christmas break. With the longer turnaround time for test results at the moment, the actual number of positive COVID-19 cases may be higher.
The figures are:
25 December 2021: 8,252 cases
26 December 2021: 11,030 cases
27 December 2021: 10,562 cases
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “While these figures are provisional, the steep increase in cases we have been expecting is now materialising, and this reflects the significantly increased transmissibility of Omicron.
“We would expect to see case numbers rise further in the days ahead – though it is worth bearing in mind that they are likely to have been even higher but for the compliance of the public with the guidance issued in the run up to Christmas.
“These figures underline how important it is that we don’t underestimate the impact of Omicron – even if the rate of hospitalisation associated with it is much lower than past strains of the virus, case numbers this high will still put an inevitable further strain on NHS.
“This level of infection will also cause a significant and severely disruptive level of sickness absence across the economy and critical services.
“So even though we are all thoroughly fed up with the impact of Covid on our lives, it is really important that over the new year period we follow guidance to help slow the spread of the virus while we complete the accelerated booster programmes.
“In addition to observing good hand hygiene and wearing face coverings, I am asking everyone to limit contacts as much as possible, to keep any essential indoor gatherings to a maximum of three households, and to get boosted by the bells.
“I know sticking to all of these measures is really hard – especially at this time of year – but there’s no doubt whatsoever it will help keep us safer.”
Every adult in the country now needs to get a Covid-19 booster vaccine, because two doses does not give you enough protection against catching Omicron.
As part of the national Get Boosted Now campaign to protect against Omicron, a text will be sent out from Boxing Day reminding people to get jabbed.
Every adult needs a COVID-19 booster vaccine to protect against Omicron
In partnership with UK phone networks, the UK Government will send out SMS texts on Boxing Day urging people to get a booster
The SMS texts are part of the Get Boosted Now campaign and the latest push in a record-breaking week for daily vaccinations
From yesterday (26 December) people across the UK will receive a text message reminding them to get a booster vaccine to protect us all from the spread of the Omicron.
More than 32 million people – over 60% of adults in the UK – have now had their COVID-19 booster.
The expansion of the booster programme continues at a rapid pace, with all adults able to get their life-saving jab by booking online through the National Booking Service or by visiting their nearest walk-in vaccination centre.
This week, more vaccination sites have opened across the country, making it as easy as possible to Get Boosted Now, including football stadiums and shopping centres.
While two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine provides strong protection against the Delta variant, data from the UK Health Security Agency shows vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic infection is substantially reduced against Omicron with just two doses over time – but a third dose provides between 60% and 70% protection against symptomatic infection from Omicron two to four weeks after the booster is given.
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.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “We are texting this Boxing Day for all eligible adults to Get Boosted Now. It has never been as important to get protected with the booster – so whether it is in between turkey sandwiches or before the Boxing Day fixtures, whatever your traditions make the booster a part of them this year.
“Millions of vaccine slots are available through the festive calendar so if you’re not boosted and you get this text, take up the offer and get vaccinated.”
Some venues and events in England now require people to have two COVID-19 vaccines or proof of a negative test as a condition of entry. People can access their NHS COVID Pass digitally or receive a paper copy once they have been doubled jabbed.
HMG would like to thank the Mobile Network Operators for their assistance in helping deliver the vitally important Get Boosted Now message.
Temporary measures to limit the spread of the Omicron variant whilst the accelerated booster vaccination programme takes effect have come into force.
From 05:00 yesterday (26 December), attendance at large events has been limited to:
100 people for indoor standing events
200 people for indoor seated events
500 people for all outdoor events (seated or standing)
Taking effect from 05:00 this morning (27 December), one metre physical distancing has been reinstated in all hospitality and indoor leisure settings including pubs, restaurants, gyms, theatres and museums amongst others. Table service is also required in settings where alcohol is served for consumption on the premises.
Nightclubs are also to close for a period of at least three weeks from 27 December however they will have the option of remaining open if they operate with table service and physical distancing, in line with the requirements for other hospitality businesses.
All of the temporary measures are to be reviewed after three weeks on Tuesday 11 January.
The restrictions are backed by £375 million in business support with full details to be announced shortly, following discussions with business organisations and local authorities. Hospitality businesses are already eligible for top up funding through the December and January Business Top Up.
Further guidance has also been published to support businesses to take reasonable measures to limit the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.
Economy Secretary Kate Forbes said: “These temporary restrictions are targeted at reducing the spread of Omicron while the accelerated vaccination programme takes effect.
“I understand how difficult this has been for businesses in recent weeks but we must reduce our contacts and limit the spread of the virus. We’re providing £375 million in business support, which is a significant investment, to support those who have experienced cancellations and help them get back on their feet in the new year.
“The best way to support business sustainably, is to get the virus back under control. Please get your boosters and stay at home as much as possible just now.”
The total package of support available to businesses is £375 million, including the previous £100 million announced by the First Minister on 14 December 2021.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid yesterday accepted advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Our independent medicines regulator, the MHRA, has approved Pfizer’s paediatric vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 following a thorough review of the safety and effectiveness.
“I have accepted the advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation to offer vaccines to at-risk 5-11 year old children and extend the booster programme to at-risk 12-15s and all 16-17s.
“While our current and unrelenting focus is ensuring all eligible adults are offered a COVID-19 booster vaccine by the end of December because two doses do not provide enough protection against the Omicron variant, the NHS will prepare to offer vaccines to at-risk 5-11 year old children.
“We have secured supplies of the Pfizer/BioNTech paediatric vaccine which will start to arrive in the UK from mid-January.
“Vaccines are our best defence against this virus and our booster programme has accelerated rapidly, with almost 30 million doses administered and more than half of adults jabbed, securing vital protection.
“This is a national mission and we urge everybody to play their part by getting their vaccines and booster doses as soon as possible.”