People across West Dunbartonshire are being reassured “we are not powerless” as Omicron has become the dominant strain of Covid in Scotland.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is currently giving an update on coronavirus repeating a plea for residents to cut down on their social contacts in the run-up to Christmas.
She is also urging those eligible to get vaccinated, whether a first, second or booster dose.
Ms Sturgeon said: “We are not powerless in the face of it.
“There is no doubt the scale and the immediacy of the challenge it presents is of concern.
“The overwhelming of the NHS could happen.
“This is not simply an issue for the health service. The numbers of people becoming infected is already putting a significant strain on the economy and other critical service.”
She cited examples of bus and train drivers, teachers and nurses having to isolate or being infected.
And stressed: "Stay at home as much as you can."
The variant is said to spread faster than previous strains prompting an appeal for those eligible to get a Covid booster as soon as practical.
The First Minister added: “Our most important line of defence is vaccinations.”
She advised a third dose is “very effective” in preventing becoming very unwell from Omicron.
However up to 200 people were turned away from Dumbarton’s Masonic Hall on Wednesday night, despite having appointments for their third jab.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have since apologised.
A spokesman said that vaccinators were having to work under challenging light conditions.
He explained: “We apologise to any patient who is waiting longer than expected for their vaccine or who has been turned away to avoid waiting unnecessarily. Despite a power cut at the masonic hall, our staff were able carry on under emergency lighting, meaning 846 doses of the vaccine were given in total.
“We are doing everything in our power to ensure those with appointments, receive their vaccines as close to their original appointment time as possible. We continue to add additional clinics to accommodate the increased demand, and we can confirm in addition to appointment only clinics, a range of drop-in clinics have now been announced and details are available on our website.
“We’d like to thank the public for their patience and for their support for our teams on the ground who are working tirelessly to deliver the vaccine rollout.”
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