Scotland’s weekly coronavirus deaths at lowest level since early October

Scotland has recorded its lowest number of weekly coronavirus deaths since early October, according to the latest figures.

National Records of Scotland (NRS) data shows 24 deaths relating to Covid-19 were registered between April 12 and 18, a reduction of ten on the previous week.

It brings the total number of fatalities linked to the virus up to Sunday to 10,055.

#NRSStats show as at 18 April, 10,055 deaths have been registered in #Scotland where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate. 24 deaths were registered 12 – 18 April, a decrease of 10 deaths. https://t.co/Kos5k0XGkQ pic.twitter.com/xB8PRS88Hf

— NatRecordsScot (@NatRecordsScot) April 21, 2021

The weekly breakdown of deaths showed that 15 happened in hospital, six in care homes and three at home or in a non-institutional setting.

Of the deaths in the last week, seven were in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board area, five in Lanarkshire and four in Ayrshire and Arran.

These figures include all deaths registered in Scotland where there is a mention of Covid-19 on the death certificate.

The daily figures announced by the Scottish Government differ as they only include lab-confirmed coronavirus deaths.

Monthly analysis from the NRS last week suggested March 2021 was the first month since October 2020 where Covid-19 was not the top cause of death, but the fifth.

The latest figures were published a day after Nicola Sturgeon confirmed lockdown easing will go ahead as planned next week.

Beer gardens, cafes, shops and gyms are to reopen in Scotland on Monday as the country moves from Level 4 to Level 3 of the Scottish Government’s five tiers of restrictions.

Updated guidance is being published on collecting customer contact details, requiring venues to take down the details of all customers and not just the lead member of each group.

Last Friday saw the lifting of travel restrictions for socialising and recreational purposes.