South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has commented on the First Minister’s latest Covid-19 statement. Nicola Sturgeon updated MSPs in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday afternoon on the situation following the spread of new Covid variant omicron.

The First Minister has advised people to limit household mixing to three families. There will also be legal requirements to work from home and re-introduce physical distancing measures in places like shops and hospitality venues.

Colin Smyth said: “This statement will be a bitter blow for people after nearly two years of enduring this terrible pandemic.

“However, the emergence of this new variant is proof of how the situation can change very quickly and we must do all we can to ensure that the spread of the virus is minimised.

“The most important thing people can do is get vaccinated, either by arranging their first or second jags or by booking a booster.

“This is a very worrying time for people and I would urge anyone with any concerns to get in touch.”