Nicola Sturgeon has said that we can "give ourselves the best possible chance of enjoying a more normal Christmas" if we stick with the existing covid protections in the wake of concern about the new omicron variant.
The First Minister confirmed this morning that enhanced surveillance has identified six cases of the new variant - four cases in Lanarkshire and two in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area - with contact tracing still ongoing.
And despite the overall covid situation in Scotland being "stable at this stage", she urged Scots to "comply with the existing protections" such as wearing face coverings in shops and on public transport and work from home where possible.
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The discovery of the new omicron variant "makes these [existing] measures more important than ever according to Ms Sturgeon, who hopes they will "make a difference" in helping to avoid the need for any tightening of restrictions in the run up to Christmas.
She said: "The Economy Secretary will be meeting business organisations later this afternoon. She will stress again that home working when possible will help us get through the winter more safely. The discovery of the new variant makes these measures more important than ever.
"They will make a difference. And by sticking with them, we give ourselves the best possible chance of enjoying a more normal Christmas, and a safer Christmas. And hopefully, avoiding the need for any tighter protections in the weeks to come."
Follow our live blog for all the latest updates on coronavirus in Scotland, including reaction to Nicola Sturgeon's statement this morning.
