Omicron now responsible for 80% of Covid-19 cases
A record number for daily coronavirus cases has been reported in Scotland
Last updated 29th Dec 2021
The Omicron variant now accounts for approximately 80% of coronavirus cases in Scotland, the First Minister has confirmed.
Nicola Sturgeon also confirmed a record number of 15,849 cases have been reported over the last 24 hours.
She says she expects "steep increases in cases" over coming weeks as she reiterated the latest restrictions and Scottish Government guidance.
However, no new restrictions have been announced and current regs on large events are to stay in place until at least January 17th.
Spread of Omicron variant "rapidly developing"
Nicola Sturgeon said she will not introduce further coronavirus restrictions at this stage because coronavirus cases in Scotland's hospitals have "remained broadly stable".
The First Minister warned the spread of the variant is "rapidly developing".
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."
She added: "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.
"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."
£32m for hospitality sector
Ms Sturgeon also outlined how the allocation of £100 million of a £275 million business support fund, she said: "£16 million will be made available to support public transport providers through existing Covid support schemes.
"£27 million will go to the culture sector, and a further £17 million to the events sector.
"A further £32 million will be allocated to hospitality and leisure businesses, with an additional £10 million for those parts of the hospitality industry most severely impacted by the requirement for table service.
"And up to £5 million will be available for nightclubs required to close."
Ms Sturgeon continued: "Councils are now working to get that money into bank accounts as fast as possible. And decisions on the allocation of the remaining funds will be confirmed following consultation with affected sectors on how it can best be targeted."