The 4 nations of the UK have reached an agreement over the easing of restrictions over the Christmas period.

This is what has been agreed:

• Travel restrictions across the four administrations (Scotland, Wales, N. Ireland and England) and between tiers will be lifted to provide a window for households to come together between the 23rd and 27th of December.
• Up to three households can form an exclusive ‘bubble’ to meet at home during this period. When a bubble is formed it is fixed, and must not be changed or extended further at any point.
• Each Christmas bubble can meet at home, at a place of worship or an outdoor public place, but existing, more restrictive rules on hospitality and meeting in other venues will be maintained throughout this period.

This announcement came as 41 more deaths were reported in Scotland.

This table illustrates the number of people who have died within 28 days of the first positive test.

The total deaths where Covid is mentioned on the death certificate ( this includes people who died after the 28 day period) is 66,713 for the UK

The other stats for Scotland for 24th of November are:

• 771 new cases of COVID-19 reported
• 84 people were in intensive care yesterday with recently confirmed COVID-19
• 1,197 people were in hospital yesterday with recently confirmed COVID-19
• 11,316 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results – 8.6% of these were positive

There were no changes announced to tiers for Scotland’s local authority areas with the exception of East Lothian which has moved from level 3 to 2.

Click on this link for further information which includes guidance for returning students: Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for festive period

There is a lag between people passing on the virus and those reporting symptoms and testing positive. The easing of these restrictions will mean that there will be a significant rise in cases, and sadly in deaths, as we start 2021.

The free NHS Contact Tracing App is a vital part of protecting others. If your phone is able to please download it. Click on this link: Protect Scotland

Reporter: Fiona Grahame