Thread by @theSNP

📺 Watch First Minister @NicolaSturgeon's live update on COVID in Scotland and Christmas restrictions, before she answers questions from MSPs at #FMQs.

⏰ Live from 12:20pm at scottishparliament.tv

📢 @NicolaSturgeon: "The total number of positive COVID cases reported yesterday was 1,225.

This represents 4.7% of all tests carried out, and there are 1,125 people currently in hospital - 31 fewer than yesterday."

📢 @NicolaSturgeon: "In addition, I am sorry to report that in the past 24 hours, a further 51 deaths have been registered of patients who tested positive for COVID.

I want to convey my deepest condolences for everyone who has lost a loved one through this pandemic."

📢 @NicolaSturgeon: "We expect that the R number, according to the latest update, will be unchanged in Scotland - which is still slightly below 1.

That indicates that the current restrictions are having an effect in curbing the spread of the virus, but we can't be complacent."

📢 @NicolaSturgeon: "However, we want the infections to come down further and faster - that's why, with the exception of East Lothian moving from level 3 down to 2, there was no change this week to the COVID levels of restrictions."

📢 @NicolaSturgeon: "We have, however, confirmed that there will be a temporary and limited easing of restrictions over a five day window in the Christmas period, between 23 and 27 December inclusive.

That's the one development I want to give a brief update today."

📢 @NicolaSturgeon: "The Scottish Government has published initial guidance about this Christmas period this morning.

The guidance reiterates that the safest way to spend Christmas is with our own household, in our own home, and in our own local authority area."

🎄Read the Scottish Government's guidance on forming 'bubbles' over the Christmas period here:

🔎gov.scot/publications/c…

📢@NicolaSturgeon: "Just because we are allowing people to meet up in a limited way, does not mean that people have to do so or are under pressure to do so.

This virus spreads with people coming together, so we urge everyone to think carefully before using this flexibility."

📢@NicolaSturgeon: "However, we recognise the reality that at Christmas, some people will feel the need to meet up with others - so this guidance sets out advice on how to do that as safely as possible. Although I must stress, the advice will not completely eradicate risk."

📢@NicolaSturgeon: "In summary, travel restrictions will be lifted across the UK between 23 and 27 December, but only to allow travel to join a 'bubble' - with no more than 3 households.

In Scotland, we ask that it should include no more than one extended household."

📢@NicolaSturgeon: "Members of a bubble also should not change - you cannot meet with two households one day, and then another household the next.

As well as meeting in each other's homes, these bubbles can also meet outdoors or in a place of worship."

📢@NicolaSturgeon: "However, these bubbles must not use hospitality together or go shopping together.

Finally, we are advising that if you want to visit someone in a care home or a hospital over Christmas, you should not form a bubble."

📢@NicolaSturgeon: "We've given very careful consideration and it has not been easy to come to the conclusions set out in this guidance.

I know that some people think the guidance is too strict, others disagree with any relaxation, and I understand both points of view."

📢@NicolaSturgeon: "We are trying to balance as best as we can two conflicting priorities.

We know that some people will come to a view that the best thing for them at Christmas is spending time indoors with loved ones who might otherwise be isolated and alone."

📢@NicolaSturgeon: "But we also know that the virus will not take a break over the Christmas period, and indoor gatherings present a high risk of transmission, particularly with people from different generations. So I would urge everyone to consider carefully how to stay safe."

📢@NicolaSturgeon: "For all of us, if we can consider finding a safer way to mark Christmas this year - this would be the best way of protecting everyone, albeit a very tough one for everyone."

📢@NicolaSturgeon: "For the moment, the best way in which we can all stay safe is by reducing infection rates and sticking firmly with the rules and regulations."

🔎Use the postcode checker to check the COVID rules in your area: gov.scot/check-local-co…

📢@NicolaSturgeon: "And finally, remember FACTS - the five golden rules for us all to stay safe and protect others."

🇫Face coverings in enclosed spaces
🇦Avoid crowded places
🇨Clean hands and surfaces
🇹Two metre distancing
🇸Self isolate and book a test if you have symptoms