Scotland's hovering Covid-19 an infection ranges are being 'scrutinised intensely', the chief medical officer claims.
Professor Sir Gregor Smith launched an announcement after it was revealed one in 18 Scots had the lethal bug within the first week of March.
The figures have been launched by the Workplace for Nationwide Statistics this week.
A complete of 1,663 Scots have been in hospital with not too long ago confirmed Covid-19 as of Friday - the very best in simply over a 12 months.
Professor Smith mentioned there was "comprehensible curiosity or apprehension about rising case charges and hospital occupancy in Scotland" however burdened that it "continues to be intensely monitored and assessed".
The main medic took to social media to guarantee Scots.
He added there was 'no proof' this variant was related to extra extreme illness than earlier types of the virus.
With hospital numbers growing, particularly amongst these aged over 60, Sir Gregor conceded there have been 'immense' pressures on NHS employees.
However added that 'we're not seeing identical quantity of extreme illness as earlier than' with the variety of individuals in intensive care 'v low and steady'.
Sir Gregor described this as 'very encouraging' as he added that that at this level there was 'no sign on extra deaths information'.
His feedback got here as bosses at NHS Lanarkshire mentioned hospitals there have been 'working past most capability'.
The well being board has reintroduced important visiting solely at its hospitals, with individuals additionally being urged to avoid accident and emergency, the place many sufferers are having to attend greater than 10 hours.
Sir Gregor tweeted: "Hospital occupancy with optimistic Covid-19 check is growing, particularly these of their sixties; a few of that is direct Covid-19 illness, some displays background charges group transmission and a few as a result of longer lengths of keep.
"All contribute to elevated healthcare pressures that are immense for colleagues.
"Nevertheless, admissions haven't risen as sharply as occupancy and we're not seeing identical quantity of extreme illness as earlier than; ICU admissions are very low and steady.
"At this level, that is very encouraging and there's no sign on extra deaths information.
"That is all scrutinised intensely.
"We're additionally protecting a really shut watch on vaccine effectiveness research, the excellent news right here is that size of safety after third dose continues to carry up very strongly towards extreme illness.
"The UK, and Scotland particularly, leads the world in publishing these research.
"So while there is not any room for complacency, the connection with Covid-19 illness is altering.
"Uncontrolled circumstances will nonetheless trigger unmanageable pressures, elevated deaths and resilience points in providers, however at current this is not evident.
"All of us can play a job stopping this."
He added: "By appearing collectively, for one another, when circumstances are extraordinarily excessive we may help include additional unfold.
"Easy steps, comparable to avoiding over-crowded indoor areas, sporting face coverings and good hygiene measures nonetheless make a distinction.
"It would not have to cease us having fun with life."
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is predicted to verify on Tuesday if an extra easing of Covid restrictions in Scotland, which is because of happen on Monday March 21, will go forward.
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