In Scotland, the government has said businesses must “return to the kind of protections in place at the start of the pandemic” to avoid crowding, such as physical distancing and table service in bars.
It is now mandatory for nightclubs and large venues to check the Covid status of visitors over the age of 18.
In Wales, the government is encouraging people to have a negative lateral flow test result before going shopping or meeting people; to meet in well-ventilated areas, preferably outdoors; and to space out socialising to allow test days in between.
She emphasised she was “not asking anyone to cancel Christmas”, but advised people to limit their socialising either side of the holiday.
Those wishing to access nightclubs, pubs, restaurants and other licensed premises will need to provide proof of vaccination, a negative lateral flow test result, or evidence of a previous Covid-19 infection.