The Scottish Government has asked for financial support from Westminster in case restrictions need to be reimposed following a spike in Omicron cases across the country.
John Swinney announced that contact was made with the UK Government about providing more support.
Yesterday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned of "difficult decisions" ahead on coronavirus after cases of the new strain increased ten fold in the last week.
The SNP leader told MSPs in the Scottish Parliament that a cautious approach was being taken in a bid to halt the spread of the deadly virus.
Swinney was asked on the BBC's Good Morning Scotland if financial support has been asked for in case of restrictions having to be reimposed.
He replied: "Yes, we have asked for that.
"We have pressed for there to be further dialogue with the United Kingdom government on that very subject so that should there be a requirement for different parts of the United Kingdom or the whole of the United Kingdom, for that matter, to take steps to apply restrictions we have got the ability to provide the support to individuals to get them through.
"It was a request which was put in last week actually, which was in the light of Omicron variant.
"The First Minister and the First Minister of Wales wrote to the Prime Minister asking for there to be discussions at COBRA level on the Omicron variant, and then also further to be financial support available should there be a requirement to move in that direction.
"So yes, I suppose it is prompted by Omicron."
In a statement to MSPs in the Scottish Parliament yesterday Sturgeon predicted a “continued and potentially rapid rise in cases in the days ahead”.
Although no new curbs were announced, the First Minister said the period ahead could involve “very difficult judgements” for governments.
To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here.
