Nicola Sturgeon expected to give Christmas restrictions update at daily Covid-19 briefing

The First Minister is expected to give an update on the potential relaxation of restrictions around the Christmas period at her daily coronavirus briefing today.

Nicola Sturgeon is expected to give an update on Christmas restrictions today

Nicola Sturgeon is expected to outline the Scottish Government’s current position on whether restrictions will be lifted for a handful of days over Christmas Day.

On Sunday, Michael Gove, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, held talks with the heads of the Scottish Government, Welsh Government and the Northern Irish Executive over plans to relax the Covid-19 restrictions around Christmas.

The Cabinet Office minister welcomed the “good progress” made towards a “single set of arrangements” which will apply across the United Kingdom and potentially across the Republic of Ireland for those living on the island of Ireland.

However, both the Scottish and Welsh Governments said the specifics of the potential relaxation had not yet been agreed with the devolved nations, who control public health policy for their countries.

Reports suggest that plans could include a relaxation of restrictions which allow up to three households to meet over a periods of around five days.

Any announcement of relaxed restrictions is likely to include details and rules around travel between the nations.

It is currently illegal for anyone in level three or four Covid-19 restriction areas to leave their council area.

Linda Bauld, professor of public health at the University of Edinburgh, said people should make their own decisions about risk around Christmas when she spoke to Good Morning Scotland.

She said people should make their own “risk assessment” about Christmas.

The First Minister’s coronavirus briefing is at 12.15pm, which is broadcast live on BBC One and BBC Scotland.

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