Six cases of the new COVID-19 Omicron variant have been identified in Scotland.
They are in addition to three cases already detected in England - bringing the total across Britain to at least nine.
Four of the cases are in the Lanarkshire area and two have been identified in Glasgow and Clyde, the Scottish government says.
It says public health teams are supporting those involved, and contact tracing is being undertaken to establish the origin of the virus.
The region's Health Minister Humza Yousaf says: "This will be a worrying time for the six people now identified as having the new variant.
"All will receive expert help and support and Public Health Scotland will undertake enhanced contact tracing in all cases.
"This will help establish the origin of the virus and any further individuals they have come into contact with in recent weeks."
He adds: "There is still much to learn about the Omicron variant.
"Questions remain about its severity, transmissibility and response to treatments or vaccines and scientists are working at pace to provide additional information.
"Until more is known we must be cautious and do everything we can to minimise the risk of spreading infection."
It was also confirmed over the weekend that new measures for travellers to Britain will not apply to the Common Travel Area - including Ireland.
This means no test or quarantine is required for those who have not been outside the area in the previous 10 days.
🇮🇪 🇬🇧 New #OmicronVariant measures for travellers to Britain will not apply to the Common Travel Area, including Ireland. No test or quarantine is required for those who've not been outside the CTA in the previous 10 days https://t.co/92DCVEE9e1 pic.twitter.com/N1CtNMcfUn
— Jack Quann (@jqbilbao) November 28, 2021
While the World Health Organisation says we should understand more about the new variant 'in weeks'.
However spokesperson Dr Margaret Harris told Newstalk Breakfast that basic public health measures are simply not being implemented in day-to-day life.
She was speaking as the coalition party leaders are set to meet officials from NPHET later to discuss the new variant.
Regulations on new travel and home quarantine policies are being drawn up.
