Covid Scotland RECAP: Nicola Sturgeon updates the Scottish Parliament as Omicron cases continue to rise
and live on Freeview channel 276
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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Nicola Sturgeon update LIVE: Follow here for all Wednesday’s updates as the First Minister addresses Parliament
Over Hogmanay and at least the first week of January, people are still advised to limit social gathering while continual examination of the data takes place.
Remember to continue to lateral flow.
“There are here some grounds for optimism.”
Risk of hospitalisation for Omicron appears to be lower than other variants.
Either due to vaccinations, or strand is less severe - don’t yet know the answer.
NS goes on to say that it is vital we continue to take precautions and limit social interaction.
The proportion of omicron cases that require hospitalisation will indicate the impact on the NHS and will inform future regulations.
“We know this virus will cause serious illness and death for some.”
“The wave of Omicron that was predicted is now rapidly developing.”
NS adds that any transmission over recent days will not yet show in the latest figures.
Therefor it could continue to rise.
Latest cases: 15,849 new cases reported yesterday.
679 people in hospital, and 36 in intensive care.
Three more people have died.
Covid cases likely to keeping rising until mid-January, expert warns
Coronavirus cases in Scotland are expected to keep rising until at least the middle of next month, an expert has said.
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