primula scotica credit: B Bell

The weekly stats produced by the National Record of Scotland (NRS) continue to show Scotland’s success in limiting the spread of the deadly virus Covid19.

Download: covid deaths report week 28 NRS to 12th July 2020

People in the older age group of 75+ had the highest number of deaths which is why research into how this virus affects different groups of people is important. Frailty Assessment Essential In Supporting #Covid19 Health & Care Needs

As at 12th July, there have been a total of 4,187 deaths registered in Scotland where the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was mentioned on the death certificate. NRS

20 Health and Social Care Workers are among those who have died in Scotland.

The numbers who have died is also different across Health Boards in Scotland and those in poorer households are more than twice as likely to die as a result of Covid19 than any other economic group.

More stats and information can be found here: Scotland Coronavirus Tracker

After Scotland went into lockdown and now that Test and Protect is working there have been several days where 0 deaths have been recorded due to Covid19.

When adjusting for size and age structure of the population, for all deaths involving COVID-19 there were 65 deaths per 100,000 people in March, rising to 583 per 100,000 people in April, and falling to 268 in May. By June the rate was 47 per 100,000 people, lower than in March. NRS

Na h-Eileanan Siar is the only Health Board area in Scotland where there have been no deaths due to Covid19.

Care Homes

Number of Residents and Staff Tested in Adult Care Homes in Scotland

Phase 3

Many more facilities have now opened up: holiday accommodation, pubs, cafes, shops,etc. The wearing of face coverings/masks is mandatory (with exceptions due to health reasons) in shops and public transport in Scotland. People are also advised to wear them in indoor spaces.

The next few weeks will be critical in Scotland’s recovery. If the virus starts to spread again in our communities there will be a reversal of some of the opening up measures which have just been introduced. This would be an incredible blow to both the economy and the mental wellbeing of citizens who are beginning to enjoy again being out and about.

If you feel unwell

People with any of the following symptoms should book a test at nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect or call 0800 028 2816 if they are unable to access the online service:

• a high temperature or fever
• a new continuous cough
• a loss of, or change in sense of smell or taste

It is not back to normal. Travel arrangements for ferries within Orkney and to/from Orkney.

Orkney’s Inter Island Ferries

Orkney Ferries are reminding customers that all travel on their ferries needs to be booked in advance, whether the booking is for foot passengers only or with a vehicle.

Due to the Scottish Government’s Test and Protect scheme customers must travel on the specific sailing they booked onto.

Bookings must be made and can be changed prior to travel. For the first morning sailings, this needs to be done by 16:00 the previous day, and for all other sailings changes can be made up to an hour before the ferry departs.

Please make sure if you are unable to travel that you cancel your booking, as capacity is limited and there maybe customers waiting for a space.

For those travelling to and from Orkney

NorthLink Ferries COVID-19 travel guidelines

Following the Scottish Government announcement on Thursday 2nd July 2020, NorthLink Ferries have opened sailings to and from Orkney and Shetland for all travellers. To allow physical distancing on board there will be restrictions to the numbers that can sail, so passengers must book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Bookings can be made online or by phoning 0845 6000 449 (Calls cost 5p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge) or 01856 885500 (International and UK mobile telephones). Click here to view contact centre opening hours.

Please also view our advice on 12 steps to travelling safely with NorthLink Ferries. We would like to thank our passengers for their understanding and co-operation at this time.

Pentland Ferries

We are currently dealing with a high volume of calls to our booking office. Where possible, please familiarise yourselves with the latest travel guidance and precautions here and book online . If you need to change your booking, you can do so by activating an account in the booking area. We thank you for your co-operation.

Reporter: Fiona Grahame