Nicola Sturgeon gave an unscheduled Covid update to Parliament today as the Omicron situation in Scotland worsens.

Just minutes before the announcement, the first minister confirmed she would be giving an update to Parliament with the agreement of the Presiding Officer. 

Here's what Nicola Sturgeon's update said today...

Omicron to be dominant strain by tomorrow 

The Omicron variant looks set to be the dominant strain of Covid in Scotland by tomorrow, the first minister confirmed. 

Yesterday 5,155 more Covid cases were recorded in Scotland yesterday. 

The UK saw the most cases ever recorded yesterday at 78,610, however this record is expected to be broken numerous times in the coming days.

Nicola Sturgeon "profoundly concerned" 

The first minister said she was profoundly concerned by the threat posed by Omicron to the health service. 

Reduce contact with people outside own household 

The first minister "strongly underlined" the advice she gave on Tuesday regarding social contact. 

Guidelines introduced on Tuesday asked people to limit socialising to a maximum of three households. 

This guidance is not law, however strongly advised by the Scottish government to protect both people and the health service. 

Urgent engagement from Prime Minister and Chancellor required

Nicola Sturgeon has written to the Prime Minister this morning and asked to speak to him later today about the prospect of more money for the devolved nations to support businesses who are hit hardest by the spread of Omicron.