Nicola Sturgeon has revealed the Scottish Government is monitoring a new variant of the Delta strain which has caused a rise in infections.
The First Minister took to social media to urge Scots to practice good personal hygiene in a bid to prevent a spread of the deadly virus.
According to the latest data around six per cent of cases have been sequenced to a new type of covid variant.
' Delta Plus ' or AY.4.2 is believed to be spreading rapidly, however not as fasts as the original Delta variant when it hit the UK earlier this year.
Despite the new strain it has not been considered a Variant of Concern or a Variant Under Investigation.
The SNP leader said her cabinet discussed the "need to monitor" the new variant which has hit the UK.
She tweeted: "The need to monitor this was discussed @scotgov Cabinet earlier.
"More generally, cases here - though lower than few weeks ago - remain higher than we’d like.
"So pls take care: wear masks, wash hands, ventilate indoor spaces & get vaccinated."
It comes as secondary school pupils in Scotland will continue to wear face coverings in class, according to new guidance from the Scottish Government.
A more cautious approach is being taken, advised by clinicians including chief medical officer Dr Gregor Smith, to provide ample time for 12-15 year olds to take up the first dose of vaccination.
A sharp drop in cases across the country has slowed, with figures rarely dropping below 2,000 per day in the past three weeks.
Face coverings in communal areas for secondary pupils and staff, as well as primary staff, will also continue.
The new guidance is contrary to reports last week that the need for face coverings would be dropped when pupils return from the October break.
To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here.
