Fears are growing over the impact that Omicron could have on Scotland’s fight against coronavirus.
The variant, which was first reported by health officials in South Africa last month, has been identified in 159 Covid cases in Scotland so far.
Experts at the World Health Organisation (WHO) have expressed their concerns over the new strain, which is said to contain a ‘large number’ of mutations.
Nicola Sturgeon said that Omicron is likely to be behind a recent surge in case numbers across Scotland, and warned that we could see a ‘tsunami of infection’ in the coming days and weeks.
There is also early evidence to show that the effectiveness of two vaccine doses may fall when it comes up against Omicron.
Scotland’s booster vaccination programme is being ramped up in a bid to protect Scots amid the unknown threat that Omicron poses.
Adults aged between 30 and 39-years-old can book their third dose of the vaccine from today - and it is hoped that this will be expanded further later this week.
The Scottish Government hopes to have invited all Scots adults for a Covid booster jab by the new year.
When is Nicola Sturgeon’s next Covid update?
The First Minister is expected to address MSPs at the Scottish Parliament tomorrow afternoon.
Previous updates that have taken place in Holyrood have generally kicked off from around 2pm during the pandemic.
What is the First Minister likely to address?
Sturgeon is likely to issue a reminder to all adults to get a booster jab over the coming weeks.
The Scottish Government is expected to make the booster booking facility available to all Scots aged 18 and over later in the week.
It is also expected that the First Minister will outline whether new restrictions could be brought in to deal with the Omicron variant.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf confirmed that the Scottish Government was looking at “preventative measures”, which will be announced tomorrow.
Speaking to the BBC this morning, Mr Yousaf said: “I think it’s inevitable we will announce additional protective measures.
“I would be reluctant to get into detail on that because we’re working through that detail.
“The First Minister will rightly update parliament first tomorrow.
“It is really important that we try to do this with as much support from the Treasury which hasn't been forthcoming thus far, because we know that of course there's been an impact on businesses.
"We are looking at preventative measures again, and the First Minister will announce detail of that tomorrow."
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