TESTING IS RAMPED UP AS OMICRON CASES RISE
9 Scots have new variant from one ‘private event’
THE nine cases of the Omicron variant in Scotland are all linked to a “single private event” 10 days ago, Nicola Sturgeon has revealed.
The First Minister confirmed there were five cases in Lanarkshire and four in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board area – all linked to the private event on November 20.
And she said, though it was unlikely, the Government was investigating any possible link with the COP26 summit in Glasgow, which finished on November 13.
All nine are all self-isolating at home and have not required hospital treatment.
In a statement to MSPs, the SNP leader announced she expected more cases of the variant linked to the event to be found soon.
Sturgeon did not share details of the nature of the “private event” but did reveal those attending had not recently travelled overseas – so it looks like they caught the bug in Scotland.
The Omicron variant was first observed in South Africa last week but it is not yet known if it poses more of a health risk to individuals.
Sturgeon said: “All nine were tested on and around November 23 and because they had tested positive, they have all been self-isolating.”
She added: “None of these individuals – as far as we know – has recent travel history to, or known links with, others who have travelled to the countries in Southern Africa where the variant was originally detected.
“However, while the contact tracing exercise is still ongoing, health protection teams have established that all nine cases are linked.
“They all trace back to a single private event on November 20. Indeed, we fully expect that there will be more cases identified over the coming days that are also linked to this event.
“The lack of any known travel or overseas connection to these cases suggests that there is community transmission of Omicron in Scotland.
“However, the fact all known cases are so far linked to a single event suggests this may still be limited.”
The First Minister also told MSPs the overall number of Covid cases being reported in Scotland was dropping – from an average of 3000 per day to just over 2500.
No changes to Covid restrictions were announced but Sturgeon made a fresh appeal for Scots to wear face masks in public.
And she urged people to regularly test in a bid to prevent further spread of across the country.
Testing is being ramped up to halt further spread of the variant – and free lateral flow tests will now be available at a wide range of venues.
Until now, they have been freely available in pharmacies and by online ordering.
The SNP leader said the kits will be made available in supermarkets, garden centres and Christmas markets around the country.
Sturgeon told MSPs: “Locations will obviously vary in different parts of the country but will include shopping centres and supermarkets, garden centres, sports grounds and Christmas markets.
“We are also working with transport partners to provide access to tests in transport hubs.
“So, while it is already easy to get lateral flow tests, we are taking steps to make it easier still.
“Please make sure you get a supply and keep it topped up.”