Nicola Sturgeon announced today in her Covid update that a final decision on the potential expansion of the vaccine passport scheme has been pushed back while ministers continue to discuss and consult with businesses over the implications.

She told MSPs that not expanding Scotland’s vaccine passport scheme would be “irresponsible” if it could help to keep the virus at bay.

Currently, Covid vaccine certificates are needed to get into nightclubs - which have been defined as late night premises with music, which serve alcohol at any time between midnight and 5am and have a designated place for dancing for customers; unseated indoor events with 500 or more people; unseated outdoor events with 4,000 or more people; or any event with more than 10,000 people.

But customers visiting cinemas, theatres and licensed hospitality venues could be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test from early December.

A final decision on the potential expansion of the certification scheme has been pushed back until next Tuesday, which wo

d be implemented just three weeks before Christmas, but Ms Sturgeon said it would be "deeply irresponsible not to consider it" as a way of avoiding tougher restrictions over winter.

New Covid passport rules, if agreed upon, would take effect from December 6 and apply to indoor cinemas, theatres, and some other licensed and hospitality venues, she added.

READ MORE: Covid passports in cinemas and hospitality 'from December' - but final decision delayed

The changes would mean that everyone attending these settings and events must show they have been fully vaccinated to gain entry, unless they are under 18, not able to get the vaccine for medical reasons, participants in vaccine trials (either current or past participants), the person responsible for the premises, workers or volunteers at the venue or event or emergency services responders and regulators carrying out their work.

A total of 50,614,550 first doses of Covid-19 vaccine had been delivered in the UK by November 15, Government figures show. This is a rise of 32,046 on the previous day.

Some 46,045,964 second doses have been delivered, an increase of 18,055.

A combined total of 13,147,333 boosters and third doses have also been given, a day-on-day rise of 286,582.

In Wales, people over the age of 16 going to cinemas, concert halls and theatres in the country are now required to show a Covid pass after the Welsh government won a vote in the Senedd.