Weekly deaths involving coronavirus in Scotland fall to 13

The number of weekly deaths linked to Covid-19 in Scotland has fallen again.

In the week ending July 12, a total of 13 deaths were registered where coronavirus was cited on the death certificate.

These figures include those confirmed to have the virus through a test as well as people suspected of having Covid.

It brings the death toll from coronavirus to 4187 in Scotland, the National Records of Scotland (NRS) statistics show.

The 13 deaths recorded between July 6 and July 12 mark the 11th weekly drop in the figures in a row, with Covid-19 now making up just 1% of all registered deaths compared to an April peak of 36%.

NRS analysis of Covid deaths from March to June found people living in cities and other large urban areas are four times more likely to die with the virus than those living in more remote areas.

It also found that of people aged 20 to 64, the highest number of coronavirus deaths by occupation were among process, plant and machine operatives.

Of all deaths involving Covid-19 between March and June, 92% had at least one pre-existing condition, with the most common being dementia and Alzheimer’s (31%).

People in the most deprived areas in the country were 2.1 times more likely to die with coronavirus than those living in the least deprived areas.

The latest weekly statistics show a small rise – of two – in Covid deaths in care homes, with seven deaths in care settings last week.

Five coronavirus deaths occurred in hospital and one was in a home or non-institutional setting.

For the third week running, there were fewer total deaths than the five-year average for that period, meaning there were no so-called “excess deaths”.

NRS director of statistical services Pete Whitehouse said: “Every death from this virus is a tragedy and these statistics represent the heartbreak of many families across the country who have lost loved ones.

“Today’s publication includes updated analysis on mortality by occupation, deprivation, leading causes of death, pre-existing conditions and urban rural classification.

“We have also provided an updated breakdown by local area.

“This additional analysis provides important information on the progression and impact of the virus and we will continue to work alongside Public Health Scotland and the Scottish Government to provide robust information.”