The Scottish First Minister has announced a series of new measures to slow the spread of Omicron.

From 05:00 on 26 December, attendance at large events will be limited – to 100 people for indoor standing events, to 200 people for indoor seated events, and to 500 people for all outdoor events seated or standing. Organisers of large professional sporting fixtures will have discretion over whether to admit spectators up to these limits.

From 05:00 on 27 December there will be a requirement for one metre physical distancing between adults in all indoor hospitality and leisure settings, including:

• pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes and other settings where food and drink is served for consumption on-site
• leisure settings including gyms, theatres, cinemas, bingo and snooker halls and bowling alleys
• museums, galleries and other visitor attractions
• table service will be required in settings where alcohol is served for consumption on the premises.

Guidance will be updated to advise against indoor activities where physical distancing cannot be maintained, including non-professional adult contact sports, from 26 December.

Nicola Sturgeon also confirmed that employers will have a ‘legal duty’ to send staff home unless being in the workplace is essential.

A package totalling £375 million, including £175 million of additional funding from the Treasury, will be made available to support sectors affected by the latest protective measures to combat Omicron. An update will be provided on the breakdown and allocation of funding as soon as possible.