No Covid-19 deaths for a full week in Scotland

● Sturgeon warns against complacency as country takes ‘biggest step’ out of lockdown

Scotland has gone a full week without a confirmed coronavirus death, as pubs, bars, restaurants and the high street reopened to the public for the first time in four months. Speaking at her daily press briefing, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was nervous as the country moves into its most relaxed phase of exit from lockdown so far.

She reiterated how important it is for the country to stick to the social distancing measures if that is to work without a spike in cases.

“Today marks the biggest step for Scotland out of lockdown so far,” Ms Sturgeon said.

“The childcare sector can fully open from today, venues like museums, galleries and other attractions can also welcome visitors from today, although in many cases you will need to book tickets in advance.

“Hairdressing services resume today, in fact I understand some opened at midnight because of demand.

“The changes are long awaited and have been very hard-earned by everybody across the country.

“But I have to say that I am even more nervous about today’s changes than I have been about earlier changes in previous phases of coming out of lockdown.”

Many of the changes involve indoor activity, she said, adding that the risk of the virus spreading indoors, in a pub for example, is significantly higher than it is outdoors.

“That is why we have deliberately waited until infection levels were very low before allowing these services to restart, that gives us the best possible chances of managing the risk that reopening indoor services creates,” the first minister said.

“But it doesn’t remove those risks, and so it is vital – more vital than it has been at any stage of this crisis so far – that all of us stick rigidly to the rules and guidance on how to behave in these different settings.”

Referring to fresh lockdown restrictions in California – where bars, cinemas and restaurants have had to close down again – she added: “That must be a reminder

“Our progress out of lockdown could yet go into reverse”

that our progress out of lockdown could yet go into reverse.

“And it will go into reverse if we see signs that the virus is starting to spread widely in the community again.

“So all of us must do everything we can to ensure that doesn’t happen.

“In the days and weeks ahead, enjoy your first meal out in a long time, if you are able to do that. Enjoy your first drink indoors if you want to do that. Enjoy your first haircut – which I know many of us across the country will certainly do.

“And please support local businesses as you do that wherever you can. They need our support at this time more than ever.”

Ms Sturgeon said a total of 2,490 patients have now died in Scotland after testing positive for the disease. Figures released by the National Records of Scotland (NRS) suggest 4,187 deaths have been recorded where coronavirus has been mentioned on the death certificate.

Between March and June, NRS notes in 92% of all coronavirus deaths, the patient had at least one pre-existing condition, mainly dementia or Alzheimer’s.

The figures show people from deprived areas were 2.1 times more likely to die of the disease than Scots living in more affluent places, while those working in processing sites or operating machinery were also at risk of a higher rate of morbidity.

The Lib Dems have issued calls for a review to prevent future flare-ups of the disease being disproportionately felt in areas of high deprivation.

Party health spokesperson Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “Confirmation that deprived communities across Scotland have faced a much higher risk from this virus than those in less deprived areas is truly terrible.

“We are at a point now where the prevalence of the virus has dramatically decreased. We should use this period to learn lessons from our initial response.

“We’ve seen, including from countries that handled the first wave better, that there is real reason to be concerned about future local flare-ups or a full-blown second wave. We should be ready for it.

“The Scottish Government should agree to a rapid forward-looking review of national preparedness and should include in it work to tackle the deprivation divide.”