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21st Dec 2021

Scottish football to go effectively crowd-free as Sturgeon outlines new Covid measures

Ava Evans

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced new measures to curb the spread of the Omicron variant

People in Scotland are being advised to “go back to limiting contact as much as you possibly can”, with new measures to control surging Coronavirus cases being introduced from this weekend.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has today announced that just 500 spectators will be allowed at outdoor events from Boxing Day, meaning the widely anticipated clash between Celtics and Rangers will be played in front of a virtually spectator-free crowd.

In a blow to New Year’s revellers, indoor seated events will be reduced to 200 capacity, and indoor standing to a meagre 100. While inside, people will be expected to adhere to one-metre social distancing rules. Private life events, including weddings, will be permitted to go ahead.

The new guidance will come into effect on the 26th December for a period of up to three weeks.

Sturgeon has asked people to minimise contact they have outside their own household, and stay at home as much as possible in a bid to curb rocketing infections.

Today Scotland reported 5,242 new cases of COVID-19 and 515 people in hospital with recently confirmed COVID-19.

On Monday evening Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced widespread criticism, after failing to announce further restrictions for the entire UK. After a lengthly cabinet meeting that stretched the entire afternoon, Johnson told reporters there would not be any new measures introduced at this time.

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