Nicola Sturgeon has told Scots to 'work from home if possible' in the wake of concern over the new omicron covid variant.
In an emergency briefing this morning, the First Minister confirmed 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.
There may also be "some" community transmission, with not all of those who have tested positive having had any recent travel history to or known links with others who travelled to Southern Africa - where the new variant was originally detected.
She said that while the overall covid situation in Scotland "does remain stable at this stage" with "cases declining slightly", what is known at this stage about the new variant means that "we should treat it seriously, and act on a precautionary basis".
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As a result, Ms Sturgeon said that "employers should ensure that they are maximising home working", and noted this "may be a fast-moving situation" with the Scottish Government response being kept under close review as more is learned about the risk omicron poses.
Meanwhile, Scots are being asked to "significantly step up and increase compliance with all existing precautions - face coverings, hygiene, getting vaccinated and regular testing" and reminding "people to work from home if possible".
And the First Minister concluded by saying that if we stick to the precautions, not just "a more normal Christmas" but "a safer Christmas" is still possible.
Follow our live blog for all the latest updates on coronavirus in Scotland, including reaction to Nicola Sturgeon's statement this morning.
