Scotland's soaring Covid-19 infection levels are being 'scrutinised intensely', the chief medical officer claims.
Professor Sir Gregor Smith released a statement after it was revealed one in 18 Scots had the deadly bug in the first week of March.
The figures were released by the Office for National Statistics this week.
A total of 1,663 Scots were in hospital with recently confirmed Covid-19 as of Friday - the highest in just over a year.
Professor Smith said there was "understandable interest or apprehension about rising case rates and hospital occupancy in Scotland" but stressed that it "continues to be intensely monitored and assessed".
The leading medic took to social media to assure Scots.
He added there was 'no evidence' this variant was associated with more severe disease than previous forms of the virus.
With hospital numbers increasing, especially amongst those aged over 60, Sir Gregor conceded there were 'immense' pressures on NHS staff.
But added that 'we're not seeing same volume of severe disease as before' with the number of people in intensive care 'v low and stable'.
Sir Gregor described this as 'very encouraging' as he added that that at this point there was 'no signal on excess deaths data'.
His comments came as bosses at NHS Lanarkshire said hospitals there were 'working beyond maximum capacity'.
The health board has reintroduced essential visiting only at its hospitals, with people also being urged to stay away from accident and emergency, where many patients are having to wait more than 10 hours.
Sir Gregor tweeted: "Hospital occupancy with positive Covid-19 test is increasing, especially those in their sixties; some of this is direct Covid-19 disease, some reflects background rates community transmission and some due to longer lengths of stay.
"All contribute to increased healthcare pressures which are immense for colleagues.
"However, admissions have not risen as sharply as occupancy and we're not seeing same volume of severe disease as before; ICU admissions are very low and stable.
"At this point, this is very encouraging and there is no signal on excess deaths data.
"This is all scrutinised intensely.
"We're also keeping a very close watch on vaccine effectiveness studies, the good news here is that length of protection after third dose continues to hold up very strongly against severe disease.
"The UK, and Scotland in particular, leads the world in publishing these studies.
"So whilst there's no room for complacency, the relationship with Covid-19 disease is changing.
"Uncontrolled cases will still cause unmanageable pressures, increased deaths and resilience issues in services, but at present this isn't evident.
"All of us can play a role preventing this."
He added: "By acting together, for each other, when cases are extremely high we can help contain further spread.
"Simple steps, such as avoiding over-crowded indoor spaces, wearing face coverings and good hygiene measures still make a difference.
"It doesn't need to stop us enjoying life."
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is expected to confirm on Tuesday if a further easing of Covid restrictions in Scotland, which is due to take place on Monday March 21, will go ahead.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .
