Omicron has replaced Delta as the dominant Covid strain in Scotland, first minister Nicola Sturgeon has said as she warned of a “tsunami” of cases hitting the nation.
The SNP leader told a briefing that the Omicron R rate is possibly above 4 in Scotland, adding that 51.4 per cent of cases in the country are likely the new variant.
“The tsunami is now starting to hit us,” she said. “Stay at home much more than you normally would,” and reminded Scots she was strongly advising them to limit their socialising to three households before and after Christmas.”
It comes as Rishi Sunak plans to hold urgent talks with hospitality leaders as the sector reports mass pre-Christmas booking cancellations, sparked by the spread of the Omicron variant.
The chancellor, who rushed back from California to respond to the crisis, was criticised by business owners for being absent earlier this week. He subsequently promised to do “whatever it takes” to protect livelihoods.
The UK is grappling with its highest-ever level of daily Covid-19 cases, with the record 78,610 infections recorded on Wednesday surpassed by the 88,376 announced on Thursday.
