Thread by @NicolaSturgeon

1/5 The rapid increase in Covid cases, driven by the new variant, is of v serious concern. The steep increases & severe NHS pressure being experienced in other parts of the UK is a sign of what may lie ahead. So we must take all steps to slow spread while vaccination progresses

2/5 We, like other countries, are in a race between this faster spreading strain of Covid and the vaccination programme. As we work to vaccinate as quickly as possible, we must also do more to slow down the virus - to save lives & help the NHS care for all those who need it

3/5 Following a meeting of @scotgov resilience committee y’day to assess latest situation, the Cabinet will meet tomorrow am to consider further action to limit spread & I’ve asked for @ScotParl to be recalled tomorrow afternoon so that I can set out our decisions in a statement

4/5 All decisions just now are tough, with tough impacts. Vaccines give us way out, but this new strain makes the period between now & then the most dangerous since start of pandemic. So the responsibility of government must be to act quickly & decisively in the national interest

5/5 For now, please continue to take Covid seriously - it is a real threat to life and health and, if it runs out of control, it damages the economy more too.
Please stay at home as much as possible and avoid non essential interactions with other households. Thank you.