Scotland has re-imposed a legal requirement for businesses to take measures to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, in a bid to reduce transmission of the new Omicron variant.

First minister Nicola Sturgeon addressed Parliament this afternoon, stating a return of the measures will help reduce crowding in shops, and will see retailers having to enforce social distancing and using protective screens at the counter. Businesses will be expected to make the necessary changes by Friday (17th December). In addition, by law employers will now have to enable staff to work from home where possible.

She said the country is facing a “likely tsunami” of new infections in the weeks ahead, with a “very significant” impact on health services.

In the same speech, although not a legal requirement, Sturgeon advised people to reduce socialising to three households during the festive period, but that it doesn’t apply on Christmas Day and plans should not be cancelled.