The festive season looks set to become a washout once again as health chiefs warn revellers against Christmas parties over the rise of the Omicron variant - which closed a Paisley school this week.
Watchdog Public Health Scotland is urging fun-seekers to defer Christmas parties over the rise of the new South African Coronvirus strain.
They say that the advice has been prompted by the number of Covid-19 outbreaks, particularly those caused by Omicron, linked to festive bashes.
Dr Nick Phin, Director of Public Health Science and Medical Director at Public Health Scotland, said: "There is much that we still need to learn about Omicron, but early evidence suggests that this new covid variant is much more transmissible. The impact of this transmissibility has been seen in recent weeks, with a number of Omicron outbreaks linked to parties.
"We still need to learn more about the severity of disease caused by Omicron and the effectiveness of vaccines, but there are important things that we can do to help protect ourselves and our families now. To help minimise the further spread of Covid-19, and Omicron in particular, I would strongly urge people to defer their Christmas parties to another time."
He added: "I appreciate that everyone is keen to celebrate this festive season, particularly after the pressures of the last twenty months, but by postponing some plans we can all do our bit to protect ourselves and our loved ones."
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Renfrewshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
It comes amidst a storm surrounding allegations that Downing Street hosted Christmas parties last year while they were banned for the rest of the UK.
Renfrewshire Council were forced to announce the closure of Todholm Primary at the eleventh hour last Sunday night, after staff shortages linked to Omicron meant they couldn't man classrooms.
The school is due to reopen this Monday after learning moved online for a week.
Health chiefs say tips to stay safe this festive season include taking up the offer of booster jabs when asked, testing at least twice weekly using Lateral Flow Devices and taking a test each time you socialise with people outside your household, as well as maintaining good ventilation when meeting indoors.
Washing hand, cleaning surfaces, maintaining social distancing and wearing face coverings in public spaces are also advised.
Download the FREE Renfrewshire Live app now for all the latest news, features and sport in your area. Available on both Android and Apple. Download here: smarturl.it/RenfrewLiveSocial
