Nicola Sturgeon delivered an update on the current Covid situation earlier this afternoon (Tuesday, February 8).
During the briefing, she highlighted the Scottish Government's "increased optimism about the period ahead" amid falling case numbers.
The First Minister also revealed when the Strategic Framework — which will set out in greater detail how the government will manage Covid more sustainably and less restrictively — will be published.
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However, she stressed that "continued care and caution" was crucial as case numbers remained high, and revealed that baseline protective measures such as the wearing of masks would remain in place.
Here is everything you need to know about what the First Minister said in Tuesday's update.
The latest statistics
6,630 positive cases of Covid were reported yesterday through PCR and lateral flow tests.
950 people are currently in hospital with Covid-19 — 8 fewer than yesterday — while 31 are in intensive care, 13 of whom have been in intensive care for more than 28 days (one more than yesterday).
A further 14 deaths have been reported, taking the total death toll to 10,447.
Covid numbers "broadly stable"
The First Minister said that over the past two weeks, Covid-19 cases "have remained broadly stable".
In last week's briefing, she stated that cases had risen by 2% over the prior seven days.
This week, the numbers have again fallen from around 7,400 cases a day to just over 7,000 — a fall of 5%.
Sturgeon stressed that while the numbers "continue an overall positive trend", there were significant variations between age groups.
In those under 15 — who have seen cases rising in recent weeks — there was a fall of more than a quarter in the past week.
Cases also fell by 6% in the 25 to 44 age group, and by more than 10% in those aged 75 and over.
However, in other age groups, recorded cases increased in the last week.
The biggest increase — of over 50% — was amongst 15 to 24 year olds.
She said that these numbers "should not be overly" surprising, and that they could be explained by the lifting of restrictions and people returning to work.
The First Minister also revealed that there was a "slight easing of the direct Covid pressure on our hospitals".
In the week to 27 January, 682 patients with Covid were admitted to hospital — this fell to 550 in the following week.
Hospital occupancy has also fallen, with the number of people in hospital with the virus falling from over 1,500 in mid-January to under 1,000 today.
There has also been a decline in the number of Covid deaths.
Scotland "through the worst" of Omicron wave but baseline measures remain
Sturgeon stated the current situation "remains much more positive than it was at the turn of the year" and "much more positive than we feared it might be at this stage".
She said: "It seems reasonable based on the data to conclude that we are now through the worst of this wave of Omicron."
She reiterated that "virtually all" of the restrictions brought into effect after Christmas have now been scrapped amid a "return to normality in much of everyday life".
However, she stressed that continued care and caution remained necessary as the virus remains widespread.
Therefore, "baseline protective measures" — including Covid certification and the requirement to wear face coverings in certain settings — will remain in place.
The Scottish Government also continues to recommend that lateral flow tests are taken before mixing with people from other households.
New guidance for those at highest risk
The First Minister revealed that specific workplace guidance for people at highest risk have been added to the Scottish Government website.
Anyone on the high risk list who is worried about a return to the workplace is encouraged to check that advice and discuss it with their employer.
She then stated that there has been "good take up" of the Distance Aware scheme that was launched two weeks ago — which provides badges and lanyards that can be worn by anyone who wants or needs additional space and consideration when they are in public places.
'Stealth' Omicron continuing to spread in Scotland
Sturgeon said the Scottish Government is continuing to monitor the BA.2 — or 'stealth' — subvariant of Omicron.
Last week, she confirmed 26 cases had been detected in Scotland through genomic sequencing.
This number has now risen to 103 — but this "will be a significant underestimate of actual prevalence".
In the past week, there has been a further increase in the number of PCR test results showing positive for the S gene and a corresponding fall in the number which don’t have the S Gene — indicating a rise in BA.2 cases.
There currently remains no evidence that the subvariant causes symptoms that are any more severe than the standard Omicron strain.
It also does not seem to be any more capable of evading the immunity conferred by vaccination or prior infection.
However there is evidence, from more than one country now, of a growth advantage for BA.2 compared to the main Omicron variant, which may mean it is more transmissible.
She concluded by stating that there are "no grounds at this stage for any significant concern" about the subvariant, as well as "no reason to change our approach in response to it".
"Beyond any doubt" that booster helps protect against Covid
The First Minister again ended her briefing by repeating the importance of getting vaccinated.
She said: "It is beyond any doubt that getting the booster significantly reduces your chance of falling seriously ill from Covid.
"It is not an exaggeration to say that it could be the difference between life and death for someone who contracts Covid.
"So please, go and get your booster if you are eligible. It is by far the most important thing you can do to protect yourself from Covid, and also to protect the NHS."
Strategic framework for living with Covid coming this month
The Strategic Framework, which will set out in greater detail the Scottish Government's approach to managing Covid more sustainably and less restrictively in the remaining phases of the pandemic, will be published on February 22.
After this, Parliament will get a chance to debate and vote on it.
