NICOLA STURGEON has provided an update on the new Covid variant that has been identified in Scotland.

A total of six people have so far tested positive for the Omicron variant, with two in Greater Glasgow and four in Lanarkshire.  

Speaking at an emergency Covid briefing held today, the First Minister confirmed that contact tracing is still underway. 

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While the pandemic in Scotland remains in a "stable situation" with cases declining slightly in recent weeks, Ms Sturgeon warned that the new strain of the virus poses a real risk to stability.

She said: "We knew though that the weeks ahead would present real risks to this stability. 

"Colder weather forcing us indoors, festive socialising and a deteriorating situation in many countries across Europe.

"The days and weeks ahead will tell us much more about the nature of this variant and its implications for our response to the pandemic.

"What we do know at this stage, though, confirms that we should treat it seriously, and act on a precautionary basis.

"While we all hope the emerging understanding of it will reduce rather than increase our level of concern, there is no doubt that it presents - potentially - the most challenging development in the course of the pandemic for quite some time."

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While further research into the new strain is yet to be carried out, there are "very early" concerns from South Africa that it might be more transmissible than the Delta variant, which is currently dominant in Scotland.

Ms Sturgeon added: "Much more data and analysis is required to be certain of this and, if it is more transmissible, to understand by how much.

"Further work is also needed to confirm what impact it might have on the effectiveness of vaccines and the risk of re-infection."

The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced yesterday that evidence suggests there might be an increased risk of re-infection, however information at this stage is still limited.

There is also currently no information to suggest that the symptoms from Omicron are any different to those from other variants.

Ms Sturgeon added: "In other words, although more data is still required, there is no evidence at this stage to suggest that the disease caused by Omicron is more severe."

During the update, the First Minister stressed the importance of following current coronavirus restrictions that remain in Scotland.

"At this stage, we are asking people to significantly step up and increase compliance with all existing precautions - face coverings, hygiene, getting vaccinated and regular testing", she said. 

"We are also reminding people to work from home if possible."

The Scottish Government has also added 10 countries from southern Africa to the red travel list.

Additionally, those arriving in Scotland from anywhere outside the common travel area will be asked to take a PCR test on the second day of their arrival.