Jason Leitch has said he does not expect Scotland to have to endure full lockdowns in the future as the Omicron wave was "diminishing".
The country's national clinical director spoke out ahead of the lifting of temporary restrictions on Monday which will end the requirement for social distancing in pubs and restaurants.
"I don't think we'll go back to full lockdowns - but I can't tell you for sure," he told BBC Radio Scotland.
"But my reading of the science, and the history of pandemics, would suggest the original days - now some two years ago - when we were locked in our houses, I don't think we are heading back there.
"I think we might have tricky moments on the road out. But I am hopeful today because Omicron is diminishing."
Leitch also revealed he is regularly sent emails from members of the public on the "extreme" ends of the debate on restrictions.
Asked about Scots who may feel nervous at the prospect of all remaining restrictions ending, Leitch said: "I think that's a great question.
"My inbox is full of extremes, of course. You can imagine.
"I get conspiracy theory in one five minute period - but I also get a lot of emails and correspondence from that group of individuals.
"If you go back two years there were 200,000 people shielding because of their age, or because of their kidney transplant, or some other medical condition they had.
"Others, like my 81-year-old parents for example, need a very gradual release from all of these challenges because they are concerned.
"That comes down to the behaviour of you and I. That's why public health is so different from individual human health - because your behaviour matters to my mum and dad, and my behaviour matters to yours.
"So that's why we have to do this gradually. I think it's really important we don't lose touch and sight of those individuals who need our help on the way out of this."
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