Sharp rise in number of coronavirus infections across Scotland, new figures reveal

Scotland has seen a sharp rise in the number of Covid-19 cases, new figures have shown.

An estimated one in 35 people had the virus in the week up to October 10, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The figures, which are the equivalent to about 144,000 people, indicate a rise from one in 50 people recorded in the week up to September 29, the most recent previous statistic.

The figures come as the number of deaths from the virus in Scotland also saw an increase.

National Records of Scotland (NRS) announced on Thursday that 52 death certificates in the country mentioned the virus in the week up to October 16, a jump from 16 the week before.

Sarah Crofts, ONS deputy director of the survey, said the trend of infection across Scotland was still “uncertain”.

A rise in cases has been seen across the UK with the exception of Northern Ireland.

The survey indicated a rise from one in 35 to one in 30 people in England while Wales has seen an increase from one in 40 to one in 25.

Ms Crofts said: “Infections have continued to increase across England and Wales, with uncertain trends in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

“Though infections have increased overall in England, it is a mixed picture across regions and age groups.

“It is too early to say from the data whether overall recent rises are starting to slow, but we will continue to monitor the data closely.”