The risk of hospitalisation for those who catch Omicron is two-thirds lower than with the Delta variant, a study by Scottish scientists has found.
The report by experts at Edinburgh and Strathclyde universities was based on only 15 people in hospital and the work has not yet been peer-reviewed.
The study found: "Early national data suggest that Omicron is associated with a two-thirds reduction in the risk of COVID-19 hospitalisation when compared to Delta."
Dr Jim McMenamin, the national Covid-19 incident director for Public Health Scotland, labelled the findings a “qualified good-news story” - but warned it was “important we don’t get ahead of ourselves”.
“The potentially serious impact of Omicron on a population cannot be underestimated," he said.
"And a smaller proportion of a much greater number of cases that might ultimately require treatment can still mean a substantial number of people who may experience severe Covid infections that could lead to potential hospitalisation."
Reacting to the study, Nicola Sturgeon said: "This is encouraging early data - hopefully confidence will build as we get more data.
"Key point to remember though - a smaller percentage of a much larger number of cases will still put increased pressure on NHS and economy.
"So we must keep suppressing virus while we complete boosters."
Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour's health spokeswoman, said: "This encouraging report sheds some much-needed light on the new variant.
"The findings drive home the need for us to keep ramping up the booster programme, and the early signs of reduced severity is very welcome news indeed.
"It’s clear that vaccination remains our key tool in our fight against Covid, even with this new variant.
"It is as important as ever that we keep up efforts to contain this virus and deliver booster vaccines with the urgency needed.”
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