Cases are on the rise
Last Thursday, Scotland recorded 2,999 new Covid cases, the highest on record. However, as of today, they have broken that record again.
With 3,285 new cases now recorded, Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon has called for Scottish residents to be “really careful”.
12.6 per cent of people tested for the virus were positive, though no deaths have been reported. However, the BBC reports that fatalities are unfortunately still a possibility due to offices reporting statistics being closed over the weekend.
However, Sturgeon did commend the vaccination program, saying it had reduced the number of fatalities in hospital.
Though the easing of restriction is expected to begin on July 19, the rise in cases is concerning for Scottish officials. The current number of cases actually surpasses the number from back in January. There is hope for the vaccination rollout, however, as this could curb the transmission rate, but also help to alleviate the number of people who have severe reactions to the virus.
There are currently 5.4 million people living in Scotland, of which 3.7 million people have had their first dose of the vaccine, while just under 2.7 million have received both.
Meanwhile, 3.7 million people have now had a first dose of a vaccine, while just under 2.7 million have had two doses.
As of Sunday, 202 people were in the hospital with Covid, with 20 of those in intensive care.
“We’re seeing quite a steep rise in Covid cases right now,” says Sturgeon.
“The positive news is that vaccination is providing a lot of protection so we are not seeing a commensurate rise in the number of people going into hospital or intensive care, or dying from the virus.
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3.7 million people have now had a first dose of a vaccine/Via Getty
“There are still a number of people who are not yet fully vaccinated, although we are vaccinating as quickly as supplies will allow,” she said.
“And while this vaccine programme is highly effective, vaccines are not 100% effective.
“So if we don’t want to see the virus run ahead of the vaccines, it’s really important everybody is really careful.”
An official statement by the First minister is expected closer to the 19th of July. Whether the rise in cases will affect the easing of restrictions has not yet been confirmed.
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