New coronavirus guidance has been introduced by the Scottish Government.

Businesses will again be legally required to take reasonable measures to minimise the risk of transmission so there will be a return to some of the measures taken at the start of the pandemic.

Employers will also have a legal duty to ensure anyone who can work from home is able to do so and anyone who cannot, should be tested regularly.

The Scottish Government are asking that social mixing be kept to a minimum and that no more than three households should get together indoors.

It is also important that everyone, unless exempt, wears a face covering and that everyone tests regularly, especially before meeting with other households.

As the UK government is not proposing any further protections, funding will not be generated to compensate businesses for any protections put in place by the Scottish Government.

However, the Scottish Government have, with some considerable difficulty, identified some funding for businesses mainly in hospitality and food supply as well as the Self Isolation Support Grant.

Commenting, Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley said:

“Today, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon outlined new guidance following the spread of the Omicron Coronavirus variant to help keep everyone safe.

“It is vital that we follow that guidance to slow the spread of Omicron so that we can protect our NHS.

“I would urge everyone to follow this new guidance so that, together, we can keep everyone safe this Christmas.”