Proof of a negative Covid-19 test will enable entry into venues and events subject to the vaccination passport scheme in Scotland from Monday.
Previously, those attending any event of 10,000 or more people, unseated outdoor events of 4,000 or more and indoor seated events of 500 or more – unless exempt – had to show proof of being fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
The scheme also applies to clubs, defined as late night premises with music and a dancefloor, which serve alcohol at any point between midnight and 5am.
READ MORE: Negative lateral flow accepted in place of vaccine passport from today
From 5am on Monday people will be able to show a record of a negative test – either from a lateral flow device (LFD) or PCR – in the past 24 hours to gain entry as alternative to proof of vaccination.
People can show an email or text message which confirms they registered a negative result with the results portal either online or by phone.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the change at a previous coronavirus briefing.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “Covid certification is playing a positive role in reducing the risk of transmission of Covid-19.
“It is also allowing higher risk settings to continue to operate more safely.
“This change makes it possible for people to show proof of a negative test as an alternative to proof of vaccination.”
He reiterated calls for people to step up compliance with coronavirus precautions, including using LFD tests regularly, getting vaccinated, wearing face coverings and working from home if possible.
READ MORE: Half of Scottish businesses oppose vaccine passport extension
He added: “I have been heartened to see that there has been a significant increase in demand for tests recently, and would encourage all households to have and use a regular supply of the tests.”
Tests are available free of charge to order from the UK Government website or for collection at a pharmacy or test site.
The Scottish Government plans to expand sites for pick up of free LFD tests to places such as shopping centres, supermarkets and sports grounds.
Why are you making commenting on The Herald only available to subscribers?
It should have been a safe space for informed debate, somewhere for readers to discuss issues around the biggest stories of the day, but all too often the below the line comments on most websites have become bogged down by off-topic discussions and abuse.
heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment.
We are doing this to improve the experience for our loyal readers and we believe it will reduce the ability of trolls and troublemakers, who occasionally find their way onto our site, to abuse our journalists and readers. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself.
We are lucky at The Herald. We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories.
That is invaluable.
We are making the subscriber-only change to support our valued readers, who tell us they don't want the site cluttered up with irrelevant comments, untruths and abuse.
In the past, the journalist’s job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel