A Labour MSP has cancelled all her surgeries until further notice due to increasing concern over the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

Carol Mochan, MSP for South Scotland, has suspended face to face surgeries, including three which were due to take place on Friday [December 10] in Dalmellington, Prestwick and Mossblown.

The politician said as the variant has now been detected in Ayrshire, that along with rising cases means "it is not sensible" to continue meeting with constituents in person.

Carol said: “Sadly Covid is a reality we will have to manage for some time to come. 

“Given the increase in Omicron cases in Scotland, with confirmation of it reaching Ayrshire now too, it is not sensible at this time for me to hold face to face surgeries.

“I will of course return to holding surgeries in the community as soon as it is sensible to do so and anyone who wishes to contact me can call, email, or write to my office using the details on the Scottish Parliament website.”

 

 

Covid cases nationwide are on the up, with the First Minister saying that the majority of those cases were among the under 60s, with the over 60s, having recently received a booster jag, seeing a reduction in the number of infections.

Thus far, there has been two confirmed cases of the Omicron variant in Ayrshire.