Limit household contacts and help slow spread of Omicron, First Minister urges

People in Orkney and across Scotland are being asked to limit socialising to three other households in the run up and immediate days after Christmas as steps are taken to slow the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Shops and pubs will also be under a legal requirement to impose measures to minimise the risk of transmission as the vaccine booster programme is ramped up.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned the country is set to face a wave of new infections in the weeks to come — but the new advice would not apply on Christmas Day and plans should not be cancelled she said.

Unlike last year where household mixing was banned or restricted by law, this new guidance is being strongly advised by the Scottish Government.

Measures on retail and hospitality businesses are set to include steps to reduce crowding in shops and at bars such as physical distancing and the use of protective screens.

Ms Sturgeon said that the Omicron variant is spreading rapidly in Scotland, with cases “increasing exponentially”.