Dundee City Council leader John Alexander has urged locals to have a "careful Christmas" in order to combat the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
Echoing the words of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Cllr Alexander says people should continue exercising caution in the run up to the festive period amid rising numbers of the new variant.
The new variant is said to be particularly transmissible, though its impact on health is yet to be fully ascertained. Four new cases of Omicron were reported in Tayside yesterday.
SNP group leader Cllr Alexander said: "“The Covid-19 trends in Dundee have generally been quite positive of late, with the city currently having the lowest number of cases by population of any council area in mainland Scotland.
“That’s testament to the caution that people are exercising.
"However, we also know how quickly things can change if that caution slips, especially at a time of year when we’re more likely to be socialising with others and with Omicron spreading fast."
On Tuesday the First Minister announced new guidance recommending that people meet up with others from no more than three households at once in order to reduce the risk of spreading Omicron.
Ms Sturgeon also urged Scots to test themselves using lateral flow home testing kits before socialising, in case they are carrying Covid without showing symptoms.
While the advice, which does not cover Christmas Day, is not bound by law she added: "Please do not think of it as optional."
There will also be a new legal requirement on those running businesses or providing services to take steps to minimise the risk of virus transmission.
Cllr Alexander added: "The things we are doing every day, the measures we are taking, help keep our friends and family safe.
"What’s more in the spirit of Christmas than looking out for those we love?
"The First Minister has stated clearly that Christmas is not cancelled.
"What we are asking is that everyone has a careful Christmas and follows all the guidance and hygiene measures."
The advice from Dundee City Council's administration comes amid an accelerated effort to offer millions of Scots booster jabs in the run up to New Year.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson - still under siege for alleged Christmas parties during lockdown last year - announced the nationwide programme on Monday.
In a televised broadcast, he told the country: "No one should be in any doubt that there is a tidal wave of Omicron coming and I’m afraid it is now clear that two doses of vaccine are simply not enough to give the level of protection we need."
However, demand for home testing kits has overwhelmed the UK Government's online portal - and vaccine appointments in the near future have filled up fast after the programme expanded to 30-39 year-olds in Scotland on Monday.
Those aged 20-29 will be able to book a booster jab from 10am on Wednesday.
Despite the obstacles, Dundee's leader has pleaded with locals to avoid the temptation of breaking the rules.
He concluded: "Frustrating though it might be to miss out on planned gatherings, now is not the time to be taking risks with others’ health.
"There is also a wide range of support available to help anyone who is self-isolating.
"And of course the most important thing we can all do is to get fully vaccinated, including booking your booster dose.
"I share everyone’s frustration and disappointment that, with the festive season fast approaching, we are again facing restrictions on our lives as a result of Covid-19.
"However, thanks to the vaccination campaign they are nothing like the restrictions we have faced in the past.
"With care, we can still enjoy a lovely, safe Christmas and a New Year which heralds better times in 2022."
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