Covid deaths surge as quarter of a million vulnerable Scots without booster vaccine

Covid related deaths have reached the highest level since April last year as cases of the virus soar and a quarter of a million vulnerable Scots are without their booster vaccines.

Figures from the National Records of Scotland show there were 49 deaths registered across the country in the first week of July caused by coronavirus or with it as an underlying factor.

The recent surge in Covid cases across the country has prompted the nation’s health body to return to weekly updates on the spread of the virus.

Public Health Scotland said it had detected the increase in Covid in wastewater for several weeks which it said was accompanied by a rise in laboratory-confirmed PCR and self-reported cases.

The Spring Coronavirus (Covid-19) Vaccine Campaign began in April and finished at the end of June.

Statistics from Public Health Scotland show more than 250,000 vulnerable people – those that are elderly, live in care homes or have weakened immune systems – did not receive their booster shots.

The Scottish Government said some health boards are still vaccinating those who were unable to come forward during the programme, until July 14.

As of July 7, 459 people had been admitted to hospital due to Covid-19.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Those at extreme high risk from Covid-19, such as stem cell transplant patients and the severely immunosuppressed, can access vaccinations year round via local clinical referral procedures.

“The Scottish Government is monitoring the rise in cases, supported by data from Public Health Scotland’s national respiratory surveillance programme, which has recently increased to weekly reporting. Periodic peaks in Covid-19 are expected, not just in the winter.

“We have just completed our spring Covid-19 vaccination programme for those at highest risk, residents in care homes, those aged 75 and over and those aged six months and over with a weakened immune system.

“Although the programme ended on June 30, some health boards are vaccinating those who were unable to come forward during the programme, until July 14. We encourage those eligible, who are yet to be vaccinated, to check with their local health board.”