An emergency Cabinet meeting of the Scottish Government will be held today to discuss the new faster spreading coronavirus strain.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed she would chair a meeting this afternoon following a four nations call.
Coronavirus cases of the new strain remain at a lower level but the First Minister warned "preventative" action may be needed.
Earlier this week it was confirmed cases of the new strain were identified in Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
On Twitter, she wrote: "Following a 4 nations COVID call earlier, I’ll chair @scotgov Cabinet meeting this afternoon to discuss emerging evidence on new variant.
"Cases currently at lower level in Scotland than UK - but preventative action may be necessary to stop faster spreading strain taking hold."
Following a 4 nations COVID call earlier, I’ll chair @scotgov Cabinet meeting this afternoon to discuss emerging evidence on new variant. Cases currently at lower level in Scotland than rUK - but preventative action may be necessary to stop faster spreading strain taking hold. https://t.co/kGLC5ZMboA
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) December 19, 2020
It follows the announcement of chief medical officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty who confirmed the strain can spread more quickly.
The World Health Organisation has been alerted to the new strain.
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