Almost 75 per cent of Covid-19 related deaths affected those over the age of 75, according to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has laid some of the measures needed to protect both residents and staff of care homes as the latest confirmed figures for Covid-19 deaths show that more than 73 per cent of deaths affect those above the age of 75.
Among the efforts being made to secure care homes from the virus is a rapid action group to respond to any issues as well as testing of care homes staff and residents who are in anyway symptomatic.
The figures from the National Records of Scotland show the most detailed breakdown yet offered for deaths according age, sex, location and health board where Covid-19 was either suspected or confirmed.
For the first time deaths by local authority area were revealed with the number of people dying because of the coronavirus in the Highlands standing at 22, of those just one was in a care home, three were at home, and 18 in hospital.
The new numbers also calculate the number of those who have died because of the infection over the last three weeks, in the Highland Council area that went from seven in the week starting March 30, to six the following week, then nine the week after.
In the much larger NHS Highland health board area which includes Argyll and Bute the death toll is 50 so far, with seven people dying in care homes, eight at home and 35 in hospital that is an increase on last week’s figures of 11.
Nationally, Scotland has suffered a total of 1616 deaths with the majority of those being above the age of 75 while less than one per cent were under the age of 45.
The First Minister said: “Today's report shows that by the total number of registered deaths linked to the virus confirmed and presumed was 1616. This information is important because it gives us as full a picture as possible of the toll that the virus is having and how and where it is progressing further...
“It shows that almost three-quarters of those who have aged over 75. However it also shows that much younger people do sometimes die as a result of this virus.
“That is an important reminder that all of us are potentially at risk and to follow the guidance. The numbers also provide information about the location in which people died so far 56 per cent of those who have died, died in hospital, 33 per cent – 537 people in total – have died in care homes and 10 per cent have died at home or in some other setting.
“Now we know the older people in care homes are particularly vulnerable to this virus, but we must match that increased vulnerability with enhanced protection.
“Clear guidance on isolation in care homes has been in place now for some time and it is, of course, the duty of providers of care homes to make sure that guidance is followed.”
Ms Sturgeon set out the measures now being taken to protect care homes stressing that they are “in addition to and is not a substitute for the clear social distancing measures” already in place:
- NHS directors of public health are taking enhanced clinical leadership for care homes.
- A national rapid action group has been established which will receive daily updates and ensure quick local action is taken to deal with any emerging issues.
- Testing for staff and residents is being expanded so all symptomatic residents of care homes will be tested for Covid-19.
- Patients discharged from hospital should only be admitted or readmitted to care homes once they had two negative tests.
- New admission to care homes should be tested and isolated for 14 days.
