THERE will be no changes to the current coronavirus restrictions as Omicron "rapidly develops" through Scotland. 

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon updated Scots this afternoon on the current state of the pandemic. 

Speaking in Holyrood, Ms Sturgeon revealed that following a review, the current rules in place - including a shut down of all nightclubs - will stay for the next few weeks. 

It comes as Scotland recorded its highest number of Covid cases since the beginning of the pandemic. 

READ MORE: Self-isolation 10-day rule in Scotland still under review with update expected in January

Almost 16,000 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported overnight, with 679 people in hospital yesterday with the virus.

Sadly, there are three further deaths of people to have tested positive.  

As a record number of cases is reported for the second time in two weeks, Ms Sturgeon said that data will be analysed closely in the coming days. 

Currently, nightclubs have been closed down with a one-meter social distancing rule implemented in other hospitality settings. 

Table service and one-way signage has also been brought back into venues with a limit on the number of customers in any premises at one time. 

A household cap has also been reintroduced with no more than three in any group when visiting pubs, bars and restaurants. 

Facemasks are also required in indoor settings unless you are exempt.

It is expected that these rules will be reviewed again in three weeks' time. 

Omicron is now responsible for approximately 80% of new cases, Ms Sturgeon said, as she warned that the spread of the variant is "rapidly developing".

While cases continue to soar, Ms Sturgeon said that there are "some grounds for optimism".

She said: "Over the past week, published studies have suggested that the risk of hospitalization from Omicron is lower - possibly significantly lower - than for other strains of the virus.

"What is not yet fully understood is why this might be the case - whether it is because Omicron is inherently less severe, or because of its greater ability to infect those who have had prior infection or been vaccinated, which means that more of those who get it carry a level of immunity that protects them from serious illness."

She added: "We don’t yet know the answer to that but, either way, if it is the case that a much lower proportion of people with Omicron need hospital care compared to other strains, that is really good news - both in terms of individual health and overall impact."