ENFORCEMENT of Scotland’s Covid vaccine passport scheme comes into effect from today.
Proof of full vaccination is required to enter nightclubs and large events as part of the Scottish Government’s efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus and increase vaccine take-up.
The measures technically came into effect from October 1, but an 18-day grace period was announced following backlash from affected industries and significant problems with the new app.
The policy will now be enforceable for nightclubs, strip clubs and unseated indoor events with more than 500 people, unseated outdoor events with more than 4000 people and any event with more than 10,000 people.
Scots will have to show proof they have had both vaccine doses, with a paper copy of the certificate or a QR code on a new app.
Councils are responsible for ensuring venues and businesses are checking vaccine status.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf (above) said: “The grace period allowed venues and businesses affected more than two weeks to test the scheme in practice and make suitable arrangements.
“It has also provided the Government with helpful feedback from the sectors affected and we continue to liaise with them going forward.
“This is a very limited scheme and we hope this will allow businesses to remain open and prevent any further restrictions as we head into autumn and winter.
“This virus has not gone away and vaccine certification will have a role to play in keeping transmission under control as part of a wider package of measures.
“It adds a further layer of protection in certain higher-risk settings.
“I also want to ensure that as many people get vaccinated as possible and particularly to increase uptake in the younger age cohort.”
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