Citizens will be able to display email or text confirmation of LFD test
The Scottish Government’s Covid certification scheme will now accept a negative test as an alternative to proof of vaccination.
From Monday, people who can show they have had a negative rapid lateral flow test (LFD) or PCR test can be admitted to ‘higher risk settings’ in Scotland. This includes unseated indoor events with 500 or more people, unseated outdoor events with 4,000 or more people, and any event with 10,000 or more people.
Venues will admit those who are able to provide a text or email containing confirmation of a negative test. Citizens will be asked whether they wish to receive such a confirmative message when they report test results online.
“You can use this result confirmation as a record of your test result at venues where certification is required,” the NHS Scotland website said. “Please do not take your used test or a photo of your test to prove your result as this will not be accepted. The text message or email can be shown electronically or via a printed paper copy.”
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Tests are available free of charge to order on the UK government website or for collection at a pharmacy or test site.
The Scottish Government also says it is working with local partners including local authorities and transport partners to further expand the availability of free lateral flow tests and identify further sites for them to be picked up, including shopping centres, supermarkets, garden centres, sports grounds, Christmas markets and transport hubs.
Deputy first minister John Swinney said: “Covid certification is playing a positive role in reducing the risk of transmission of Covid-19. It is also allowing higher risk settings to continue to operate more safely. This change makes it possible for people to show proof of a negative test as an alternative to proof of vaccination. In addition as we approach the festive period and people socialise indoors, we are asking for everyone to significantly step up and increase compliance with public health measures.”
He added: “This includes using LFD testing more regularly as well as getting vaccinated, wearing face coverings and working from home where possible. I have been heartened to see that there has been a significant increase in demand for tests recently, and would encourage all households to have and use a regular supply of the tests.”
