Coronavirus / Negative lateral flow test added to Covid vaccination certification scheme
PEOPLE will now be able to show evidence of a negative lateral flow test in addition to a Covid vaccine passport when entering venues like nightclubs and large events.
The change in policy came into force today (Monday).
Lateral flow test kit instructions include details of how to register the result on an online portal or by phone.
Once the test result is registered (and the individual consents to receive a confirmation message), an email and text is issued to confirm the result.
People can show that text or email message to gain entry to places where certification is needed.
Deputy first minister John Swinney said: “Covid certification is playing a positive role in reducing the risk of transmission of Covid-19. It is also allowing higher risk settings to continue to operate more safely.
“This change makes it possible for people to show proof of a negative test as an alternative to proof of vaccination.”
Proof of vaccination or a record of a negative test is required for entry into late night premises with music which serves alcohol after midnight and has a designed dancing area.
It is also needed for unseated indoor events with 500 or more people, outdoor unseated shows with 4,000 or more, or any event with over 10,000 folk.
Meanwhile the Scottish Government is reiterating its request for people test more regularly in the lead up to Christmas.
It comes amid concern over the new Omicron variant, which has entered Scotland.
“I have been heartened to see that there has been a significant increase in demand for tests recently, and would encourage all households to have and use a regular supply of the tests,” Swinney said.
The government says in addition to ordering online, people can pick up test kits at pharmacies.
The Scottish Government is also working with local partners including local authorities and transport partners to further expand the availability of free lateral flow tests and identify further sites for them to be picked up, including “shopping centres, supermarkets, garden centres, sports grounds, Christmas markets and transport hubs”.
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