Covid Scotland: Nicola Sturgeon announces latest Covid figures at Scottish Parliament briefing, and addresses rapid Omicron spread

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon addressed Parliament in a virtual meeting this afternoon, and updated the public on the latest Covid figures.

The First Minister told Parliament that 15,849 positive cases were reported yesterday – which made up 28.9% of all tests carried out.

However she noted that this positivity rate may be significantly higher than usual, due to “people being more selective about when to go for a test over the Christmas period”.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon under pressure to cut self-isolation as she updates Holyrood

She said that 679 people are currently in hospital, which is 80 more than yesterday, while 36 people are in intensive care, which is one fewer than the day before.

Ms Sturgeon announced a further three deaths, which brings the death toll under this daily measure to 9,836.

She noted that the Omicron variant now accounts for around 80% of all cases, and said: “Over the past week, the number of Covid cases overall has increased by 47%”.

A message from the Editor:

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon addressed parliament today via video link, and discussed the rapidly rising numbers of Covid cases. PIC: Fraser Bremner.

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