The number of excess deaths in Scotland has fallen below the five-year average for the first time since the first week of lockdown.
Data from the National Records of Scotland reveals that from June 22-28, there were 20 less deaths (1,006) than the average over the last five years (1,026).
It is the first time since the week of March 23-29 that the total number of weekly deaths has fallen below the average.
The latest weekly statistics show that 35 deaths related to Covid-19 were registered between June 22 and 28.
It means that, as of June 28, a total of 4,155 deaths have now been registered in Scotland where coronavirus has been mentioned on the death certificate.
It marks a ninth weekly reduction in a row, with a decrease of 14 from the previous week. The weekly death total is the lowest since mid-March.
1/2 #NRSStats show as of 28 June a total of 4,155 deaths have been registered in #Scotland where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate. https://t.co/Ku0qgjtYYs pic.twitter.com/f1T1BuUqUQ
— NatRecordsScot (@NatRecordsScot) July 1, 2020
3/3 #NRSStats show that for the first time since the pandemic started, the total number of deaths registered in week 26 was lower than the average number of deaths from all causes over the last five years. https://t.co/Ku0qgjLAn2 pic.twitter.com/7E3tJynWfN
— NatRecordsScot (@NatRecordsScot) July 1, 2020
Nicola Sturgeon said: “This week’s statistics again tell of the real and sustained progress we are making in tackling Covid.
“However the numbers also speak of heartbreak for many. We can take some comfort in the trends shown by today’s data, but we should never lose sight of the fact that every single death represented by these numbers is a tragedy.”
Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, said: “These statistics represent the heartbreak of many families across the country who have lost loved ones and every death from this virus is a tragedy.
“Since the peak in mid-April, the number of registered Covid-19 related deaths has fallen for nine successive weeks. In the week ending 28th June, 35 Covid-19 related deaths were registered, representing the second smallest weekly total since the start of the pandemic in Scotland.
“This week also marks the first time since the start of the pandemic in Scotland that the total number of deaths from all causes is below the five-year average for this time of year.
“Producing these statistics, alongside the other important evidence being made available by the Scottish Government and Health Protection Scotland (HPS), provides vital information to help understand the progression and impact of the virus in Scotland.”
What the NRS figures show
- Covid-19 deaths accounted for 3% of all deaths registered in week 26. This had peaked at 36% in week 17 (April 20 to 26)
No excess deaths in Scotland this week. Deaths now back to pre-Covid levels. pic.twitter.com/H8HvVfpWKF
— Lesley-Anne Kelly (@L_A_Kelly) July 1, 2020
- Over the 15 week period from March 16 (since the first Covid-19 death was recorded), the number of excess deaths, the total number of deaths registered minus the average number of deaths for the same period over the last five years, was 4,906.
- Over that period, there have been 2,463 excess deaths in care homes, 67% above average; 2,417 excess deaths at home or in non-institutional settings, 56% above average
- Deaths in hospitals were less than 1% above average levels (34) over the full period. After an early peak during April, hospital deaths have now fallen to below average levels.
- More than three quarters (77%) of all deaths involving Covid-19 to date were of people aged 75 or over.
- In care homes and hospitals, Covid-19 was the cause of the majority of excess deaths whilst in home and non-institutional settings there were far fewer excess deaths involving Covid-19. Cancer, circulatory deaths, and deaths from other causes accounted for most of the excess deaths in these settings.
- In hospital settings there were lower than average numbers of deaths from all causes other than COVID-19.
Why this data differs from daily updates
The weekly figures differ to the daily numbers announced by Nicola Sturgeon at her press briefings as they also include deaths where there has not been a positive test for Covid-19, but it is a suspected or presumed factor.
The First Minister’s daily figures only record deaths of patients who have tested positive for coronavirus.
By that measurement, a total of 2,486 patients have died in Scotland after testing positive for coronavirus, up by one from Tuesday, Nicola Sturgeon said.
Speaking at the Scottish Government’s coronavirus briefing, Ms Sturgeon said eight more people had tested positive for the virus in 24 hours, taking the total to 18,259.
A total of 785 patients are in Scottish hospitals with confirmed or suspected Covid-19, a fall of 100 in 24 hours, she added.
Of these, 17 are intensive care, a drop of two.
Scottish Government Covid-19 statistics, July 1:
2,486 deaths (+1)
18,259 confirmed cases (+8)
785 in hospital (-100, -11 confirmed cases)
17 in ICU (-2)Since March 5, 4,071 people have left hospital having tested positive
— The Sunday Post (@Sunday_Post) July 1, 2020
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