Covid Scotland RECAP: Nicola Sturgeon updates the Scottish Parliament as Omicron cases continue to rise

The First Minister will be addressing the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday with an update on coronavirus as Omicron cases continue to rise.
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Restrictions in Scotland kicked in just after Christmas, with social distancing back in place, table service in pubs and restaurants and Hogmanay events cancelled.

The First Minister will be addressing the Scottish Parliament just after 2 pm on Wednesday with the latest on the Omicron variant.

Scroll down for all updates.

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Omicron: Covid cases likely to keeping rising until mid-January, expert warns
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Nicola Sturgeon update LIVE: Follow here for all Wednesday’s updates as the First Minister addresses Parliament

Try to minimise social contacts on Hogmanay.

The FM concludes: “It’s an understatement to say that the situation we face now is not what anyone would want”

The time ahead could be difficult, but much more positive after the next few weeks.

Get vaccinated - the more boosted, the less severe Omicron will be.

Also, test regularly, every single time you meet someone outside your household.

The FM concludes: “It’s an understatement to say that the situation we face now is not what anyone would want”

The time ahead could be difficult, but much more positive after the next few weeks.

Get vaccinated - the more boosted, the less severe Omicron will be.

Also, test regularly, every single time you meet someone outside your household.

Final point on progress on vaccination programme.

What’s the point of booster if we are still in lockdown? Getting a booster doesn’t mean you won’t get Covid, but it will lower the chances of a severe reaction - because it doesn’t stop us passing on the virus, those who aren’t vaccinated are at risk.

Anyone not vaccinated without good reason is acting irresponsibly.

Isolation requirements - Scot Gov considered to lower the length of times.

They will reach a decision in the next week and they will keep parliament updated.

“I know how difficult all of this is for business...but there simply isn’t an easy trade off for protecting health and protecting the economy.

“Doing nothing won’t help business.”

NS provides further detail of the support given throughout these restrictions -

Public transport, culture sector, events sector, hospitality and leisure all named as receiving extra funding.

There will be no additional restrictions imposed today.

FM - current restrictions expected to be in force until at least January 17.

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