Breaking News: Scotland on the Downward Slope of Omicron Wave

First Minister Sturgeon's Latest Update

Hospitalizations Increase, but Sturgeon Remains Positive

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that Scotland is on the downward slope of the Omicron wave, with a decrease in overall cases. However, hospitalizations have increased to 679, the highest number since the start of the wave. Sturgeon expressed confidence that the country is heading in the right direction.

The latest figures show a decrease in COVID-19 cases across Scotland, with the number of positive tests falling by 12% in the past week. This is a significant improvement from the peak of the wave in January, when daily cases exceeded 20,000. The number of deaths has also remained stable, with no new fatalities reported in the past 24 hours.

Despite the decrease in cases, hospitalizations have continued to rise. There are now 80 more patients in Scottish hospitals than there were on Tuesday, bringing the total number to 679. This is the highest number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized since the start of the Omicron wave.

Sturgeon acknowledged the increase in hospitalizations but said that she remains positive about the overall situation. She noted that the number of patients in intensive care has remained stable, and that the majority of those hospitalized with COVID-19 are being treated for other conditions.

The Scottish government will continue to monitor the situation closely and will make further announcements as needed.