Scottish Government – Page 214 – The NEN

Self-isolation and testing changes: Scotland follows rest of UK and cuts isolation to seven days

Changes are being made to self-isolation rules in line with public health advice and testing requirements to help maximise testing capacity and ensure a speedier start to the process of contact tracing.

In a statement to the Scottish Parliament yesterday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that anyone who tests positive for Covid-19, regardless of vaccination status, must still self-isolate for 10 days.

However, from today, Thursday 6 January, new cases will be advised they can end self-isolation if they don’t have a fever and test negative on a Lateral Flow Device (LFD) on Day 6 and again at least 24 hours later.

Triple vaccinated close contacts of those who test positive, both household and non-household, or those under the age of 18 and four months, do not need to isolate as long as they return a negative LFD test result each day for seven consecutive days, and remain fever free.

The intention is for the public to be sufficiently reassured of a negative Covid-19 status during the potential incubation period.

Any close contact who is not fully vaccinated (three doses) will still have to self-isolate for the 10 days and take a PCR test.

Changes are also being made to testing after a positive LFD – people will no longer be asked to take a PCR test to confirm the result.

Instead, anyone with a positive LFD should report the result online as soon as the test is done. This ensures that people can get the advice they need as quickly as possible. After reporting their result, people should then fill in the online form they will receive, so that contacts can also be informed and rapidly given the correct advice.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “When the Omicron variant started to take hold, we strengthened self-isolation requirements, so that all household contacts had to self isolate for 10 days.

“That step was intended to slow the spread of the variant. It also reflected the fact that we knew less about the severity of the virus at that time, and that less of the population had protection from booster and third jags.

“We are now in a very different position – and so we can now adopt different rules.

“These changes are significant, but we believe they are also justified at this phase of the pandemic. They balance the importance of self-isolation – in slowing the virus’s spread and reducing the harm it can cause – with the wider harms to the economy that broader self-isolation rules can cause.”

If you have symptoms of Covid-19 (a fever, new continuous cough, or loss of sense of taste or smell) it is important to isolate and book a PCR test (even if you have already tested positive with an LFD) – that advice has not changed.

Getting a Lateral Flow Test:

People in Scotland who need a Lateral Flow Test can do so in the following ways:

By ordering online for home delivery. A box of 7 lateral flow test will arrive within 24-48 hours. Additional booking slots are added throughout the day.
At over 1,000 Community Pharmacies. People will be able to collect one pack of 7 lateral flow tests. Pharmacies can receive a box of around 60 packs of lateral flow tests each day.
At over 60 Testing Sites. People will be able to collect one pack of 7 lateral flow tests from any regional or local test site in Scotland.
At many other collect points established by Local Authorities. Follow this link to find information on additional local sites in your community.
From where they learn or where they work if in education, health and social care or any workplace with more than 10 employees which have signed up for our workplace testing programme.

First Minister’s statement – 5 January 2022

Presiding Officer,

Firstly, I wish you, members and staff in Parliament, and everyone across the country a happy new year.

Today, I will report on the continuing rise in COVID cases.

I will outline our approach to managing this phase of the pandemic

As part of that, I will set out immediate changes to the requirements for self-isolation and testing.

And while we are not proposing any additional measures at this stage, I will confirm that existing protections and guidance will remain in place for the coming week, pending further review.

And finally, given that Omicron may not be the last new COVID variant that we face, I will also signal some longer term work to consider the adaptations necessary to enable us to deal more proportionately and sustainably with any future phases of the pandemic.

First, though, today’s statistics.

16,103 positive cases were reported yesterday – 26.9% of all tests carried out.

1,223 people are in hospital with COVID. That’s 71 more than yesterday – but it’s 544 more than at this time last week.

42 people are in intensive care – which is the same as yesterday.

Sadly, a further five deaths have been reported, taking the total number of deaths under the daily definition to 9,872.

Once again, I send my condolences to everyone who is mourning a loved one.

The surge of cases, driven by the extremely infectious Omicron variant, is continuing here in Scotland, across the UK, and indeed in many other countries around the world.

Here in Scotland over the past week, the total number of new reported cases has increased by 87%.

Tomorrow’s figures will almost certainly see us pass 1 million reported cases since the outset of the pandemic.

However, the rapid and very widespread transmission of Omicron is such that the daily recorded tally of cases – which has always been an underestimate of the true level of infection – now gives us an even less comprehensive indicator of how prevalent the virus is.

The weekly survey published by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) gives a better indication. In the week to 23 December, it suggested that one in 40 people in Scotland had COVID.

The results of the most recent ONS survey – published just a few minutes ago – suggest that in the week to 31 December that had risen to one in 20.

The proportion of people with COVID is though likely to be even higher than that now, a few days later – and I would anticipate that we will see continued growth in the level of infection as work and school resume after the holiday period.

In short, COVID is significantly more widespread now than at any stage in the pandemic so far, and will almost certainly become even more so in the days to come.

This, of course, has extremely serious implications for the NHS and social care.

But it also has a severe and increasing impact on the economy and other critical services.

This is primarily due to very high numbers of people off work with COVID – but it is of course compounded by the wider requirements for self isolation.

As I said last week, we have been considering very carefully the risks and benefits of changes to self isolation requirements and I will update on that shortly.

More generally, as I said a moment ago, we are not proposing any new protective measures today.

However, with the virus so prevalent, we do consider it important to continue to apply some brake on transmission, particularly in settings posing the highest risk.

Accordingly, I can confirm that the restrictions on large gatherings, the requirement for distancing between groups of people in public indoor places and for table service in hospitality venues serving alcohol on the premises will remain in force for now and indeed, I expect, until 17 January.

In addition, while this is not a legal requirement, we are continuing to strongly advise the general public to limit contact with people in other households as far as possible, and to limit the number of households in any indoor gathering that does take place to a maximum of three.

After two long years of this pandemic, I know that asking people to cut all social interaction is just not feasible – and it would be damaging of course to mental health and wellbeing.

However, limiting contacts insofar as we can, and thinking carefully about the interactions that matter most to us, is important just now.

It helps stem, at least to some extent, increases in transmission – and so has a collective benefit.

But it also helps protect us as individuals.

When at least one in 20 of us have the virus – as is the case now – the risk of getting it when we mix with others is significant.

So if we limit the occasions on which we do mix, we also reduce our own risk of catching a virus that we know could have a nasty impact on our health.

Trying to stem transmission – at least to some degree – is also important for the NHS which is under increasing pressure.

On the upside, the evidence that Omicron causes less severe illness than previous variants – at least amongst the under 60s, where the virus is most prevalent at the moment – does appear to be strengthening.

Indeed, the fact that the numbers here in intensive care are so far remaining stable while the numbers in hospital generally rises quite sharply, may be indicative of this.

We also know for certain that a booster jag provides strong protection against serious illness for people of all ages.

However, notwithstanding the success of the booster programme and indeed the apparent lower rate of hospitalisation from Omicron, the sheer volume of people becoming infected means more people with COVID are being admitted to hospital.

There is also remaining uncertainty about the impact on hospital admissions if Omicron continues to spread from younger age groups – where the risk of falling seriously ill from COVID has always been lower – to those in older age groups.

As I reported last week, work is also underway to better understand the detail behind the headline hospital numbers.

I can advise Parliament that the first results from analysis to differentiate those who are in hospital because of COVID from those in hospital with COVID but who were admitted for different reasons will be published on Friday.

Work is also being done to assess whether the average length of hospital stay resulting from Omicron is any different to that associated with other variants.

So, in short, our understanding of the precise nature and extent of Omicron’s impact on hospitals and the wider health and social care system is still developing.

However, what is beyond doubt is that it is already having a considerable impact.

The number of people in hospital with COVID has increased from 679 to 1,223 in the last week. That’s a rise of 80%. That is putting significant additional pressure on the NHS.

Indeed, the NHS is now facing increasing pressure on three related fronts.

First, from dealing with non COVID backlogs built up over the course of the pandemic.

Second, many NHS staff are absent and self-isolating either because they have COVID, or are close contacts of people with it.

This means the increasing pressure on the NHS is being managed by a depleted and ever more exhausted workforce. Let me say at this stage we owe each and every one of them an enormous debt of gratitude.

And third, as we keep saying, even with a lower rate of hospitalisation, the sheer volume of cases caused by the much greater transmissibility of Omicron will lead, is leading, to more patients with COVID ending up in hospital.

And, with reference to the analysis that will be published on Friday that I spoke about a moment, it’s important to remember, even if COVID is not the primary reason for someone’s admission to hospital, the fact they have COVID means enhanced infection control measures are required, and that further constrains NHS capacity so exacerbates that pressure.

We continue to support health boards and staff to manage this pressure – this includes working with councils to reduce delayed discharge and targeting additional capacity where possible.

Work is also underway importantly to develop alternative patient pathways for people with COVID, enabling them where possible to remain at home, where appropriate, with appropriate monitoring and advice rather than be admitted to hospital. This work will also help identify at an earlier stage patients likely to benefit from new antiviral treatments.

Of course, we can all help the NHS by taking steps to reduce transmission of the virus as much as possible.

Presiding Officer

While abiding by current guidance and protections is at this stage vitally important, we do know that measures which restrict our lives are not sustainable indefinitely.

And with a variant as infectious as Omicron, the kind of protections that are still possible within our financial resources and without causing greater harm in other ways – while still very important at this stage – won’t control transmission to the same extent as these measures would have done with other less transmissible variants.

So in light of this, coupled with the fact that unfortunately COVID won’t suddenly disappear and that Omicron is unlikely to be the last new variant we encounter, we need to continue to adapt our thinking about how to manage the virus and become more resilient to it in future.

Let me be clear at this stage, this does not, in my view, mean giving up on trying to control COVID completely – the impact of it on individual health and on our collective wellbeing is too significant for that.

But it does mean seeking ways of doing so that are more proportionate, sustainable and less restrictive.

There are no easy answers here, but adapting to the ongoing challenge of COVID is inescapable. The Scottish Government is therefore currently working on and will publish over the next few weeks a revised strategic framework, which will set out more fully how that process of adaptation can be managed with a view to building that greater resilience.

We will seek views from across Parliament as we develop this new framework in more detail. However, the changes I am about to confirm to the requirements on self isolation and testing are an early indication of an already adapting response.

I said last week that it was important to consider carefully changes to self isolation rules.

We wanted to ensure such changes are made only when in the view of clinical advisors, the benefits of them outweigh the risks of them.

I also want to make changes, as far as possible, in a coherent not a piecemeal manner, given the importance of clear public understanding of what is required.

As a result of this consideration, we are now proposing two changes to the self isolation rules, and one change to the requirement for PCR testing. And all of these changes will take effect from midnight tonight.

The first change to self isolation applies to those who test positive for COVID.

While the initial advice when someone tests positive will still be to self-isolate for 10 days, there will now be an option to end isolation after seven days as long as you, firstly, have no fever and, secondly, you record two negative lateral flow tests, one no earlier than day six after testing positive and another at least 24 hours after that.

The second change applies to close contacts of positive cases – and this includes household contacts – who are either under the age of 18 years, four months, or who are older than that and fully vaccinated.

Let me be clear, by fully vaccinated, we mean first, second and booster or third doses.

For close contacts in these categories the requirement to self-isolate will end and be replaced by a requirement to take a lateral flow test every day for seven days. Obviously, if one of these tests is positive, self-isolation will then be required.

Anyone identified as a close contact who is over 18 years and four months and not fully vaccinated will still be asked to self-isolate for 10 days and to take a PCR test.

These changes are significant and they are not completely without risk. However, at this stage of the pandemic they do strike an appropriate balance between the continued importance of self-isolation in breaking chains of transmission, and reducing the disruption self isolation causes in the economy and other critical services.

We are also proposing an important change to the advice on testing. And let me be clear again, this has been very carefully considered.

Scotland, indeed the UK as a whole, has one of the most extensive PCR testing systems anywhere in the world.

However, with infection levels are as high as they are, we must fully utilise all available testing capacity – PCR and lateral flow. And make sure isolation and advice happens as quickly as possible.

For those who have symptoms of COVID, the advice remains to book a PCR test, even if you have a positive lateral flow test.

And of course the advice to everyone is to test regularly with lateral flow devices, especially before meeting up with others.

However, from tomorrow, if your lateral flow test is positive, and you do not have symptoms, you will no longer be required to take a PCR test to confirm the result.

Instead, you must immediately isolate and also report your result online so that Test & Protect can commence the contact tracing process and give you advice as quickly as possible. You will also receive an online form that you must fill in, as would happen with a PCR positive in to ensure your contacts are notified.

Other countries, Canada for example, have already made this change.

It has been made possible because lateral flow tests are now widely available and work well.

Also, and really importantly, the Test & Protect system in Scotland can start contact tracing on the strength of a reported positive lateral flow result as well as a PCR.

And, crucially, at times of very high levels of infection the risk of a false positive lateral flow result is very low indeed – around just three in 10,000.

So the safest thing to do at this stage is treat a positive lateral flow test as confirmation of COVID. Even if you have no symptoms.

This allows us to maximise testing capacity and ensure a speedier start to the process of contact tracing and advice.

Presiding Officer

There are a few further points I want to briefly touch on today.

Firstly, the current situation continues to take its toll on every one of course, but it continues to take a toll on businesses.

Last week, I confirmed the allocation of more than £200 million of the £375 million in business support we are making available.

Today, I can confirm the allocation of a further £55 million.

Up to £28 million will be allocated to taxi and private hire drivers and operators. £19 million will support services such as beauticians and hairdressers.

£5 million will be provided for sport, and an additional £3 million for tourism.

Local authorities are as we speak working to get money into bank accounts as quickly as possible.

Secondly, in light of the widespread community transmission of Omicron in the UK just now, discussions are taking place today between the four UK governments about possible changes to travel rules, including the requirement for pre-departure testing.

If these discussions result in proposed changes, we will inform parliament as quickly as possible.

My third point relates to education, and the start of the new term.

All secondary school children are being asked to take a lateral flow test on the night before or morning of their first day back, and thereafter to test twice a week and also in advance of mixing socially with people from other households.

Likewise, university and college students should take a test immediately before travelling from home to term-time accommodation, and thereafter test twice a week and before socialising with people from other households.

And staff in all educational and early years settings should take a lateral flow test just before starting back at work, and in line with broader advice after that.

Our priority is to keep schools open and to minimise further disruption to education.

But with community transmission high, I know the next few weeks will be challenging for pupils, staff and parents.

Using lateral flow tests will help. So too will the changes to isolation rules – and updated education guidance reflecting these changes will issue shortly.

We will also work with councils to ensure the guidance issued before Christmas is followed to keep schools not just open but as safe as possible.

Presiding Officer, my final brief update today is on vaccination.

I am immensely grateful to everyone involved in delivering vaccines – and to everyone who has been vaccinated.

By the bells on Hogmanay, around 3 million people – 77% of those eligible – had received their booster or third dose.

If you weren’t one of these people – and you are eligible – please come forward now.

You can arrange an appointment online, or go to a drop-in clinic. There is plenty of capacity and you can get details at NHS Inform or your local health board website.

Getting a booster doesn’t mean we won’t get COVID, although it does reduce the chances of that, but it significantly enhances our protection against serious illness. It could quite literally save your life.

12 to 15 year olds can also now go to drop-in centres to get the second dose.

I encourage everyone in that age group to do so. If you are the parent or carer of someone in that age group, you can go with them to the vaccination centre.

The vaccine programme has been an outstanding success – but there are still many people eligible but not yet vaccinated.

If you are one of them, then for your own sake and indeed for the sake of all of us, please rectify that. It is not too late and no one will judge you for not having done it before now.

On the contrary, you will be welcomed with open arms.

Presiding Officer, This phase of the pandemic is possibly the most challenging we have faced so far.

The most infectious variant so far is creating a volume of cases that, notwithstanding its possibly reduced severity, still has the potential to overwhelm us.

And of course two years in, the kind of measures that have helped us control transmission in past phases are becoming less tolerable and causing more harm.

So while not easy, we do need to continually adapt our ways of managing this virus, and we will do so.

But in the meantime, we must continue to do what we know makes a difference now.

So get fully vaccinated as soon as you can – please do it this week.

Big ambitions for Wee Forests … and West Pilton leads the way

Communities and schools are set to benefit from a new network of “Wee Forests” in towns and cities across Scotland, backed by £500,000 Scottish Government funding.

Led by NatureScot, the programme aims to give people the opportunity to help tackle the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss by creating and caring for their own forest in their own neighbourhood.

To create each forest, around 600 native trees will be planted by “Wee Foresters” in an area the size of a tennis court. Volunteer keeper teams will look after the forests over the long term and schools will use the forests for outdoor learning.

Supported by Earthwatch Europe, people will also take part in citizen science activities to raise awareness of climate change and the value of urban trees. This will include monitoring the butterflies that use the forests and measuring how much carbon is captured by the trees as they grow.

Planting has already begun – the first demonstration Wee Forest was planted at West Pilton Park last October, and further wee forests followed in the capital’s East Pilton Park and Mount Vernon.

NatureScot is working with local authorities and a number of Scottish environmental organisations to help roll-out the programme this year.

Wee Forests will be planted in Glasgow, East Ayrshire, Edinburgh (above), Aberdeen, Dundee and West Lothian.

Environment Minister Mairi McAllan said: “The horrors of the Covid pandemic have changed how many of us view and value nature, and we know people want to spend more time outdoors for the benefits it brings to their mental and physical health.

“We want to improve access to green spaces and provide equal opportunities for everyone to connect with nature. Wee Forests are an ideal way of achieving this, whether as a place for children to play or a quiet spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

“This new network of Wee Forests is a great example of partnership working between the public, private and voluntary sector and is an important legacy of COP26 when the eyes of world were on Glasgow and the future of our planet.

“As we now look forward to COP15 on biodiversity, innovative projects like this will showcase to the rest of the world how Scotland is leading the way in our action to tackle the twin crises of climate change and nature loss.”

Earthwatch Europe CEO Steve Andrews said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with NatureScot to expand the Wee Forest movement across Scotland.

“Getting communities involved in planting and ongoing citizen science at their local Wee Forest is an exciting opportunity to connect people with nature, whilst providing vital data on forest growth and environmental benefits.”

NatureScot Chief Executive Francesca Osowska said: “Wee Forests are a fantastic way for people to connect with nature close to home.

“We’re delighted to see our demonstration project being extended to create many more pockets of nature-positive green space across our towns and cities, as a living legacy of COP26.

“And as we look towards COP15 and the huge challenge of halting and reversing nature loss, it’s projects like this that are giving communities the chance to help restore nature and tackle climate change by contributing to Scotland’s tree planting targets.”

Extra £16 million committed to tackle homelessness in Scotland

Scotland’s Councils are being given an extra £16 million to help tackle homelessness by moving people swiftly from temporary accommodation into settled homes.

The funding, to be awarded over the next two financial years, takes the total investment in rapid rehousing to £53.5 million. Rapid rehousing aims to ensure people spend the shortest amount of time possible in temporary accommodation, giving them a settled place to live as soon as appropriate.

The package includes an investment of £6.5 million in the Housing First pathfinder to support people with multiple and complex needs.

Housing Secretary Shona Robison said: “Tackling homelessness is about much more than just providing a bed for the night. Temporary accommodation is an important safety net, but most people need a settled place to stay where they can rebuild their lives.

“Rapid rehousing is based around the idea that most people need a settled home, and this new funding will help councils progress their Rapid Rehousing Transition Plans to move people as quickly as possible into appropriate, settled accommodation.

“The best way to reduce the number of households in temporary accommodation is to prevent homelessness from happening in the first place, and today’s announcement follows the recent publication of our consultation on plans for new legal duties on public bodies, highlighting the shared public responsibility to prevent homelessness in Scotland.”

Rapid Rehousing Transition Plans cover an initial period of five years from 2019. The new funding comprises £8 million in 2022/23 and £8 million in 2023/24.

Consultation on prevention of homelessness duties: Closing date 31 March 2022.

£65 million to help ease impact of pandemic for culture and events

Details of a financial package worth £65 million for culture and major events have been confirmed by the Culture Secretary Angus Robertson.

The split of the funding is as follows:

for cultural businesses, organisations, venues and independent cinema support and grassroots venues – £31.5 million
National Performing Companies (for Christmas losses and touring fund re-purposing) – £2 million
Freelancers – £10 million
Events sector – £19.8 million
Museums, galleries and heritage – £1.7 million

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is once again causing disruption and uncertainty in the culture and events sector, who have already been hit so hard by its impact.

“We have been engaging with the sector about the impact of the Omicron variant and we are fully committed to supporting culture and events while they recover from the impact of the COVID – and we are aware of just how important they are to Scotland, and indeed the wider recovery from this pandemic.

“These additional funds will help protect the livelihoods of the people working in the sector – and allow us to give further support to freelancers, culture organisations, venues and our national performing companies.”

Creative Scotland’s Cancellation Fund for Creative Freelancers opens for applications this Thursday at 2pm.

Creative Scotland’s Chief Executive Iain Munro said: “We are very grateful for this significant increase in emergency funding from the Scottish Government which reflects the severity of the challenges being faced by Scotland’s culture sector.

“Our Cancellation Fund for Creative Freelancers is live, with applications open from 6 January, and more information on support for organisations and venues will follow as soon as possible.”

VisitScotland Director of Events Paul Bush said: “The Scottish Government’s commitment of £19.8 million for Scotland’s events sector is welcome news as the industry continues to deal with the latest challenges presented by the pandemic and the Omicron variant.

“EventScotland is currently working with the Scottish Government and the Event Industry Advisory Group (EIAG) to determine the best way of distributing the funding to ensure we get support to those in need across the sector, and details on this will be shared shortly.”

Funds worth £27 million for culture and £17 million for events were announced by the First Minister on 29 December.

This was additional to the £20 million of business support funding for culture and events that First Minister announced on 14 December.

Business support plans announced

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon last week announced how £107 million is being allocated to support businesses impacted by the spread of the Omicron variant.

The funding, which follows an initial £100 million lifeline package, means the Scottish Government has now allocated £207 million of the £375 million committed to business support. Following discussions with stakeholders, this latest package is targeted at some of the hardest hit sectors and payments will start in the new year.

Business support is being provided to mitigate the impact of public health measures introduced to limit the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. Proportionate restrictions have been implemented for at least three weeks to allow immunity from the accelerated booster vaccination programme to take effect.

Decisions on the allocation of the remaining £168 million will be confirmed following consultation with affected sectors on how it can best be targeted

The latest £107 million support package is broken down into:

£32 million more for hospitality and leisure businesses
£10 million targeting parts of the hospitality industry most severely affected by requirement for table service
£5 million targeted support for nightclubs now required to close
£27 million for culture, due to impact of physical distancing and caps on attendance
£17 million for events, due to impact of physical distancing and caps on attendance
£16 million for existing public transport COVID-19 support schemes to recognise the impact on fare revenue

Final details of the funding available for each sector is being determined in discussion with business and sector organisations and will be published as soon as possible.

Hospitality businesses will be contacted by their local authority to access top up funding through the December and January Business Top Up.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “We recognise that the public health measures necessary to limit the spread of Omicron have had a severe economic impact, especially for sectors like hospitality and culture which would normally be experiencing their busiest trading period.

“We will be providing a total of £375 million for affected businesses and continue to press the UK Government for more comprehensive support, akin to what was provided earlier in the pandemic. We know this funding won’t cover all losses but it is to compensate for cancellations and ensure businesses can survive the winter period and be ready to trade fully in the new year.

“The best way to support business sustainably is get the virus back under control. Please get your boosters and stay at home as much as possible just now.”

Returning to school safely: pupils urged to take LFD tests

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

All LFD test results should be recorded via the online digital reporting portal

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

Guidance on reducing COVID risks in schools

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.

COVID vaccine for 12-15 year olds

Bringing forward second dose for young people

Families are being urged to get young people aged 12-15 their second dose of the COVID vaccine as early as possible in the New Year.

Drop-in sessions will be available for this age group from 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.

Following JCVI advice, this age group can get their second vaccination from 12 weeks after their first dose. NHS Inform and local health board websites will provide further details of where drop-in sessions are available in each area.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Additional vaccinator capacity across Scotland means we are now in a position to offer second doses to the 12-15 age group earlier than previously planned.

“Eligible young people can get their second doses from next week, and before they return to school in many cases. I would urge them to take up the offer as early as they can, to receive greater protection from the virus.

“The festive season saw a major effort to get adults boosted by the bells. But we need to keep up momentum and make sure everyone is protected from the virus, particularly with the emergence of the new Omicron variant.”

Those who have already received a scheduled appointment can bring it forward by calling 0800 030 8013.

If you’re eligible, you can drop in for your booster at clinics all over Lothian. Learn whether you’re eligible, and find the closest clinic to you, at:

https://www.nhslothian.scot/…/Pages/Drop-in-Clinics.aspx

Action to focus Test and Protect on those at highest risk

Priority given to essential workers and those most at risk

Essential workers, those at highest risk and anyone eligible for new COVID treatments will be prioritised for a PCR test site slot. This measure is being taken to ensure timely access to PCR testing, as rising rates of COVID-19 infections are resulting in increasing demand.

It is vital that essential workers get the test results they need to qualify for a prompt exemption from self-isolation. However testing remains available for anyone who needs it.

Test & Protect will also focus resources on those most at risk of harm. This means most people will be contacted by text message or email – with contact tracers prioritising telephone calls to those linked to higher risk settings such as hospitals and care homes.

People should respond to the text or email message, and complete the online form provided, so close contacts can receive the advice they need as quickly as possible.

Updating Parliament yesterday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: ““The current surge in cases means testing capacity – sampling and processing – 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. This ensures that essential workers will 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 in a location you can get to, do try again later. Additional PCR 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. If you are contacted by Test & Protect – either as a positive case or a close contact – please respond and complete the online form, and make sure you follow all advice given.”

Self-isolation exemption scheme guidance is available for essential workers.

An investment of £33.1 million was announced last month to safeguard the future of Scotland’s contact tracing workforce of more than 500. The change to PCR prioritisation for test site booking slots will not affect booking a PCR home test.

Information about the new COVID-19 treatments and the eligibility criteria is available at nhsinform.scot

People on the highest risk list, and those who are eligible for new COVID treatments should tick that they are an essential worker to ensure prioritised access to booking a PCR test.

Scottish Government support with winter pressures

Help for low income households this festive period

Projects that support low income households will benefit from a funding boost through the Scottish Government’s Winter Support Fund.

Sixteen charities will receive a share of over £6 million to provide support to low income families with direct assistance for living costs, as well as initiatives such as debt advice and parenting helplines.

The cash is part of a £41 million Winter Support Fund announced by the Social Justice Secretary in October which also includes £10 million to help people struggling to pay fuel bills and £25 million awarded to local authorities to respond to financial insecurity and support wellbeing based on local needs.

The Winter Support Fund aims to help people on low incomes, children and people at risk of homelessness against a backdrop of rising living and fuel costs.

Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison said: “We know many families are struggling financially just now with the rising cost of living and the impact of the pandemic.

“The recent sharp increase in Covid-19 cases, linked to the omicron variant, has only added to the challenge but we’re determined to ease some of the strain by providing direct support to people who need it most.

“Our trusted charity partners and volunteers have played a crucial role throughout the pandemic and we appreciate and value the services they provide.

“We hope these funds will help those most in need over Christmas, which we appreciate can be a difficult time for many.”

The STV Children’s Appeal will receive £1,200,000 to support children in need through its network of grassroots and community organisations.

Chair Paul Reynolds said: “The winter period is often one of the most difficult times of the year for families affected by poverty in Scotland, so this support package comes at the most crucial of times.

“Through collaboration with hundreds of charities and projects, we support the most vulnerable children and young people across the country, and we’ll help to make sure that these funds provide the food, clothing, shelter and heating needed by so many families throughout this challenging season.”

Aberlour Children’s Charity will receive £250,000 for its Urgent Assistance Fund.

Chief Executive SallyAnn Kelly said: “This support comes at a time when families and their children are facing the second tough winter in a row. It will make a real difference to so many families, who have found themselves pushed into poverty and who are struggling to keep their head above water.

“Applications for our fund have doubled in recent months and the top reason for families seeking help is to feed their children. It’s vitally important that this funding is distributed to families quickly and reaches those children who need the very basics.”

Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison first announced the £41 million Winter Support Fund on 29 October 2021.

A digital funding mapping tool has been developed to display the funding allocated across the three strands of the Winter Support Fund.

Allocation of Funds:

Organisation	Amount
Aberlour	£250,000
Action for Children	£450,000
Barnardo’s	£345,000
Bethany Christian Trust	£264,000
Cash for Kids	£1,250,000
Children First	£300,000
Citizens Advice Scotland	£140,000
Churches Action for the Homeless	£500
Corra	£750,000
Family Fund	£300,000
Families Outside	£52,500
Govan Community Project	£33,000
One Parent Families Scotland	£275,000
STV Appeal	£1,200,000
Transform Community Development	£1,000
Who Cares? Scotland	£401,000

Record high number of Covid cases in Scotland … but no change to protections, says First Minister

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.