As the Omicron variant continues to spread, the Scottish Government has set out new guidance and measures to take effect from midnight tonight (17^th December) to stem the flow of transmission. New regulations require businesses to take all reasonable measures to avoid crowding, encourage wearing of masks and support distancing in their premises. The Government have now published guidance on what is required and expected of businesses under the new regulations. You can find this here.

The Government has also strengthened the requirement for businesses to support staff to work from home where possible. Where this isn’t possible, all businesses and organisations with ten or more staff in Scotland (including employees and formal volunteers) can now sign up for free asymptomatic workplace testing. You can find out more about this here. Organisations with fewer than 10 staff should encourage employees to test themselves regularly at home.

Finally, further new guidance advises restricting social interaction at home or in indoor public places to a maximum of three households at any time, with everyone encouraged to take a lateral flow test before meeting.

If you have any concerns about this guidance or would like to chat to the Chamber further, please email policy@edinburghchamber.co.uk