A new type of omicron coronavirus is under 'close scrutiny' by Scottish government experts after becoming the dominant strain across the country, according to the country's chief medical officer.
Professor Sir Gregor Smith said there was "no evidence" the omicron BA-2 sub-type was linked to more severe infections than previous strains, however admitted he could understand the "interest and apprehension" around the virus following a rise in both cases and hospitalisations.
Data from the Office for National Statistics showed that in the first week of March an estimated one in 18 Scots had the virus, with the number of people in hospital at its highest for 13 months.
