Latest Covid-19 figures give 'signs of hope', suggests Sturgeon
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The latest Covid-19 numbers for Scotland show “further perhaps sustained signs of hope” according to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Speaking in Holyrood, she said the National Records for Scotland (NRS) data showed that for the second week running there had been a fall in the number of those dying from Covid-19.
The NRS figures record both confirmed and suspected cases of the infection and where it is noted as a possible cause on a death certificate.
Released at noon today figures showed there were 110 fewer deaths over the last week compared to the previous seven days.
The numbers of deaths in care homes fell from 314 to 238.
However, as Scotland’s total death toll passed the 3000 mark, Ms Sturgeon said it was still to early to relax and the government would continue to err on the side of of caution concerning easing the lockdown.
She said: "Today’s report shows that by Sunday the total number of registered deaths linked to the virus – confirmed and presumed – was 3213.
"And 415 of those deaths were registered in the seven days up to Sunday.
"I can report that this is a decrease of 110 from the week before and a decrease of 244 from two weeks previously.
"Deaths in care homes made up 57 per cent of all deaths linked to the virus last week. That is a slightly lower proportion than the previous week and also the total number of Covid-10 deaths in care homes – while still too high – fell to 238 from 314 the week before.
"The total number of deaths recorded from all causes last week was again higher than the five-year average but lower than in the week before – this figure, the number of what we sometimes refer to as 'excess deaths', fell from 600 to 400.
"I readily acknowledge that no trend in statistics can ever comfort the many people who have lost a loved one to this virus and my thoughts and sympathies are with each and every one of them.
"But this week's figures offer further perhaps sustained signs of hope: the number of Covid-19-related deaths, though still far too high, has fallen for a second week in a row, the number of death in care homes has also reduced for the second week and the number of excess deaths is less than half the level it was three weeks ago.
"That doesn't mean we can relax yet, there are still too many cases, the reproduction rate of the virus is still higher than we would like and we continue to learn more about those most vulnerable to the disease.
"But the trends we are seeing now are positive. If transmission rates continue to fall we will be able to gradually relax the lockdown restrictions, but we will continue to err on the side of caution.
"And so for the moment, as I confirmed on Sunday, the message in Scotland remains the same – please stay at home except for what is essential work, exercise or shopping for food and medicine.
"When you do leave home stay more than two metres from other people and don't meet up with people from households other than your own, covering your face if you're in a shop or public transport and wash your hands thoroughly and regularly."
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