TWO CASES OF NEW COVID-19 VARIANT FOUND IN GLASGOW
TWO cases of the new coronavirus variant have been identified in Greater Glasgow and Clyde. A total of six people in Scotland have tested positive for the Omicron strain of Covid-19, with the remaining four in Lanarkshire.
Speaking at an emergency Covid briefing held yesterday, the First Minister confirmed that contact tracing is still under way.
She said: “At this stage, we know that not all of them have any recent travel history to or known links with others who have travelled to the countries in southern Africa where the variant was originally detected.
“This suggests that there might already be some community transmission of this variant in Scotland but again let me stress there is no evidence yet that this is sustained nor any evidence from the enhanced surveillance that it is widespread at this stage.”
While the pandemic in Scotland remains in a “stable situation” with cases declining slightly in recent weeks, 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.”
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.
Sturgeon added: “Much more data and analysis are 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 on Sunday 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.
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 added 10 countries from southern Africa to the red travel list.
Those arriving in Scotland from anywhere outside of the common travel area will be asked to take a PCR test on the second day of their arrival.
A total of 2244 new Covid cases were recorded in Scotland yesterday with no further deaths.
Of the 715 people to be treated in hospital, 52 were in intensive care.