Nicola Sturgeon says she will not introduce further coronavirus restrictions at this stage because coronavirus cases in Scotland’s hospitals have “remained broadly stable”.
Omicron is now responsible for approximately 80% of new cases, Ms Sturgeon said, as she warned that the spread of the variant is “rapidly developing”.
But despite record numbers of new Covid-19 infections, Ms Sturgeon confirmed that there would be no immediate changes to coronavirus rules in Scotland.
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon receives a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) booster vaccination in Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, December 4, 2021. REUTERS/Russell Cheyne/Pool
Russell Cheyne
Urging people to “exercise caution”, she said: “It is encouraging that, at least until now, the rise in cases experienced over the past few weeks has not translated into a corresponding rise in hospital admissions or occupancy.
“On the contrary, the number of people in hospital with Covid has so far remained broadly stable.
“I would expect that within the next couple of weeks, we will have a clearer picture and that this will then help us reach informed judgments about the most proportionate response going forward.
“In the meantime, however, while we better understand the impacts and while more and more of us get the added protection of booster vaccinations – which will help reduce the impacts – we must try to avoid the sheer volume of cases overwhelming us.
“That is why it is prudent, indeed essential, that we slow transmission as much as possible.”
Sturgeon said she expects a “steep increases in cases” over coming weeks as she reiterated the latest restrictions and Scottish Government guidance.
The First Minister said: “Given the speed and extent of transmission now, it is vital that we continue to take sensible precautions and limit social interactions for a further period, as we learn more about the likely impact of this wave of infection and complete the booster programme.
First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon arrives for First Minister's Questions in Holyrood. Picture date: Thursday December 2, 2021.
Fraser Bremner/Daily Mail
“The new protective measures relating to hospitality, public indoor places and live events that I set out last week are now in force.
“We will review these on an ongoing basis – however, at this stage, our expectation is that they will be in force until 17 January.
“That means, for now, limits on the size of live public events – through private events such as weddings are exempt.
“For indoor standing events the limit is 100; for indoor seated events, 200; and for outdoor events it is 500 seated or standing.”