Scotland facing 'tsunami' of Omicron cases, with the variant likely to replace Delta as the dominant form of the virus within days, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warns
The first minister said early action was needed, with Omicron cases rising "exponentially" in recent days, and that she could not rule out further measures having to be introduced.
However, the number of people is hospital with the virus has fallen slightly to 573, with 40 patients in intensive care. She added: "It also means that the rapid rise in Omicron infections could put significant additional pressure on hospitals and other health and care services, close to the point in the winter when they are already likely to be at peak pressure."
The warning of a "tsunami" of omicron cases with the potential to put a big strain on the workforce, public services and in particular - the NHS - was an even clearer signal.
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