Increase in Omicron cases

Commenting on the increase in Omicron cases to 29, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

“The number of Omicron cases now being reported in Scotland is rising, and cases are no longer all linked to a single event, but to several different sources including a Steps concert at the Hydro on 22 November. This confirms our view that there is now community transmission of this variant within Scotland. Given the nature of transmission we would expect to see cases rise - perhaps significantly - in the days ahead. However, health protection teams are continuing work through contact tracing, isolation and testing to slow the spread as far as possible while we learn more about the new variant’s impact. Ministers are also keeping the situation under daily review.”

Background

There are currently six Omicron cases linked to the concert on 22^nd November.  To date no cases have been identified from the concert on 23^rd November.  Risk to those who attended the concert is low and those who may have come into contact with Omicron are being contacted.   No one from the concert needs to isolate, unless asked to by Test & Protect or if they develop symptoms.