Care home virus deaths now higher than those in hospital

THERE have now been more deaths related to Covid-19 in care homes than hospitals in Scotland, according to latest figures.

National Records of Scotland (NRS) statistics show there have been 1,818 deaths in care homes when Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, and 1,815 fatalities in hospitals.

A total of 3,911 had died with confirmed or suspected Covid-19 in Scotland as of May 31.

There were 131 deaths related to Covid-19 registered between May 25-31, a decrease of 99 from the previous seven days and the fifth consecutive weekly drop.

The majority of coronavirus-linked deaths across Scotland in the week to May 31 were in care homes at 52%, down from 54% the previous week. The number of deaths in care homes fell for a fifth week in a row, down by 56 from the previous week to 68.

The NRS figures are published weekly and account for all fatalities registered in Scotland when Covid-19 is mentioned on the death certificate.

They differ from the lab-confirmed coronavirus deaths announced daily by the Scottish Government using Health Protection Scotland (HPS) figures because they include suspected or probable cases of Covid-19.

Speaking during First Minister’s Questions, Nicola Sturgeon gave the daily HPS figures. Under that measure, a total of 2,386 patients have died after testing positive, up 11 from 2,375 on Tuesday.

Ms Sturgeon said 15,504 people have tested positive in Scotland, up 33 from 15,471 the previous day.

There are 1,117 in hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19, a decrease of 51, and 34 were in intensive care, no change on Tuesday.