Covid vaccination is the most precious gift we can give this Christmas, says Nicola Sturgeon
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The most precious gift people in Scotland can give this Christmas is to be vaccinated and tested before meeting, hugging or spending any time with friends and loved ones, Nicola Sturgeon has said.
“The duty and responsibility of all of us as citizens is to get vaccinated as soon as we are able,” the First Minister said during a Covid-19 update at Holyrood this afternoon.
She emphasised that vaccination will be vital for anyone planning to socialise over the festive period – otherwise they will be putting lives in danger.
Ms Sturgeon also confirmed there will be no extension to the Covid certification scheme.
"We have taken account of the fact that although our situation is precarious, cases are currently stable and indeed slightly declining and we have considered the inevitable impact vaccine certification has on the operation of businesses and concluded that, at this stage, extension would not be proportionate," she said.
All remaining legal restrictions will stay in place.
Ms Sturgeon emphasised that having a booster jab is "every bit as important as getting the initial vaccinations".
She said: “We are already seeing the positive impact of boosters in the case numbers so the programme is going exceptionally well, but we will do everything possible to speed it up further.
“The most precious gift we can give anyone this Christmas is to be vaccinated and tested before we meet, hug or spend any time with them. Getting vaccinated does remain the single most important thing any of us can do to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities.
“You could well be saving your own life and the lives of your loved ones, you will be helping the NHS and you will be maximising our chances of getting through this winter without the need for further restrictions.”
Earlier, after noting the tightening of restrictions in some European countries, Ms Sturgeon said: “Our situation is definitely more positive than we might have expected it to be at this stage but it is still precarious.”
