Scotland limiting crowds at public events

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon this week announced that crowds will be effectively banned at upcoming public events in the country due to the spread of the omicron variant of the coronavirus.

According to The Associated Press, public events held indoors will be limited to a 200 people maximum capacity and outdoor events will only allow for a max of 500 people beginning on Dec. 26.

As a result of the restrictions, Edinburgh’s big New Year’s Eve celebration, Hogmanay, will be canceled for the second consecutive year and pro sports in Scotland will be “effectively spectator-free,” Sturgeon said, per the AP.

Scotland will also implement more social distancing and restrict bars and restaurants that serve alcohol to providing only table service beginning on Dec. 27, the AP reported.

Amid the surge of the omicron variant across Europe, Scotland is entering its second Christmas under COVID-19 regulations. However, Sturgeon told lawmakers that the country has a better hold on the pandemic this year compared to last year, according to the AP.

“[A]lthough it might not feel like it, we are in a much stronger position than last year,” Sturgeon said, per the wire service.

England, Wales and Northern Ireland — the other constituent countries of the United Kingdom — have also set new restrictions this month in an effort to combat the omicron variant, the AP reported.