Summary

  • The Omicron variant is confirmed as the dominant form of the virus in Scotland

  • Nicola Sturgeon says the 'tsunami is starting to hit' as case numbers increase more than 40%

  • 4,336 new cases of Covid have been reported and 522 people were in hospital yesterday

  • More than half of the population over the age of 18 has now had a booster jab

  • Ms Sturgeon says if people don't act now on Covid guidance the NHS could be overwhelmed

  • Of £100m in government support for business, £66m will go to the hospitality industry

Live Reporting

BBC Scotland News

  1. Are more more restrictions on the way?

    Nicola Sturgeon is likely to be quizzed on the prospect of more Covid restrictions but she has already raised the possibility.

    In a letter to the prime minister, Ms Sturgeon said urgent financial help was needed to protect businesses from the "economic shock" of what is already in place.

    The first minister said the huge number of people likely to be infected could overwhelm the NHS and other critical services.

    And she said more restrictions "while undesirable, may now be unavoidable".

  2. Good afternoon

    Nicola SturgeonGetty Images

    Nicola Sturgeon is holding a Covid briefing at 12.15pm when she is expected to confirm that Omicron is now the dominant variant in Scotland.

    She is joined by chief medical officer Gregor Smith to answer questions from journalists.

    You can follow the full stream or the BBC Scotland Coronavirus programme on the tabs above.