One in 20 people are estimated to have had Covid last week - which is more than quarter of a million of the population, according to the latest figures.
Office for National Statistics (ONS) officials have estimated that the number of people that tested positive for virus in week ending June 18 in Scotland was 250,700.
This figure is a rise from 176,900 or one in 30 believed to have had Covid in the week previous.
There has also been a similar surge in figures across England, Wales and Northern Ireland according to the ONS’ Covid Infection Survey.
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Experts say that the uptick in estimated cases is due to the emergence of the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron strains - which have already been identified as ‘variants of concern’ by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Early analysis of both Covid strains suggests that there is a growth advantage over the previously dominant Omicron BA.2 variant.
UKHSA research suggests that Omicron BA.5 is growing 35.1 per cent faster than BA.2, while BA.4 is growing approximately 19.1 per cent quicker.
Officials say that it is likely that BA.5 will soon become the new dominant Covid variant in the UK.
There is so far no evidence that both variants cause more severe illness than previous strains of the virus.
Public Health Scotland data shows that 948 people were in Scotland’s hospitals receiving treatment for Covid as of June 19.
This figures is also a rise on the 748 recorded on June 12.
Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at UKHSA, said: “It is clear that the increasing prevalence of Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 are significantly increasing the case numbers we have observed in recent weeks.
"We have seen a rise in hospital admissions in line with community infections but vaccinations are continuing to keep ICU admissions and deaths at low levels.
"As prevalence increases, it’s more important than ever that we all remain alert, take precautions, and ensure that we’re up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, which remain our best form of defence against the virus.
“It’s not too late to catch up if you’ve missed boosters, or even first doses so please take your recommended vaccines.
“If you have any symptoms of a respiratory infection, and a high temperature or feel unwell, try to stay at home or away from others – especially those who are elderly or vulnerable.
“Face coverings in crowded indoor spaces and hand washing will help to reduce transmission of infection and are especially important if you have any respiratory symptoms.”
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