All of Scotland’s coronavirus restrictions introduced in response to the Omicron wave will be lifted next Monday.

Nicola Sturgeon announced the move on Tuesday, but warned the rate of COVID infections “is still high” and urged people to remain cautious in their social interactions.

Scotland’s first minister said nightclub closures and the requirement for table service in hospitality will come to an end and attendance limits on indoor events will also be lifted.

Live COVID updates from the UK and around the world

Ms Sturgeon said: “From Monday we will also lift the guidance asking people to stick to a three-household limit on indoor gatherings.

“However, it is important to stress this point: notwithstanding the improving situation, the level of COVID infection circulating in the community is still high.

“So to minimise the risk of us getting the virus it would be sensible for all of us to remain cautious in our social interactions at this stage.”

Boris Johnson says ‘nobody told me’ Number 10 lockdown garden party was against the rules

Boris Johnson lockdown parties: Dominic Raab denies Downing Street has drinking culture

Boris Johnson party news live: Sunak says ‘of course’ he believes PM – as Raab interview slip gets traction

She continued: “We will continue to ask people to work from home whenever possible at this stage – and for employers to facilitate this.

“However, we will engage with business now about a return to a more hybrid approach from the start of February.”

Ms Sturgeon also urged the more than 600,000 Scots over the age of 18 who are eligible for a booster, but haven’t yet had it, to come forward.

She said despite the renewed optimism the NHS remained under “significant pressure”.

The first minister continued: “Despite what people may be hearing from media commentary, we have not yet moved from the epidemic to the endemic phase of COVID, although I hope that transition is under way.

“However, we are – I hope – once again entering a calmer phase of the epidemic.”

She added the Scottish government continued to work on its next steps in combating the virus.

Related posts:

Blood clot victim’s sister ‘very angry’ but says everyone should have Oxford jab ‘Significant milestone’ as Morrisons widens plastic bag ban to include ‘bags for life’ COP26 conference ‘last, best opportunity to get real’ on the climate, says John Kerry Revealed: The areas with the highest and lowest COVID vaccination rates for over-50s Gov says new online safety bill will keep people safe but not everyone is convinced Police helicopter finds missing girl, six, asleep in a field over half a mile from her home Henley Regatta lets women wear trousers for the first time in its 182-year history Cristiano Ronaldo scores twice at buoyant Old Trafford on his second debut for Manchester United On this wall, there is one heart for every Briton who died from COVID. But now, they are starting to fade Will Emma Raducanu be able to stay at the top in tennis for years to come? Geronimo the alpaca ‘killed for nothing’ as post-mortem reveals it did not have TB Women diagnosed with cervical cell changes ‘often experience feelings of shame, isolation and anxiety’