The cumulative total of Covid cases in Orkney is now at 1,728 as 8 new positive test results were recorded in the Health Board area.

There are also local stats available for the combined PCR and LFD positive results.

According to that data, today, 19th January 2022, there are:

• 7 PCR (only)
• 0 LFD and positive PCR
• 9 LFD (only)

Total = 16

The stats for Scotland published on 19th of January 2022 are as follows

• 8,495 new cases of COVID-19 reported. Please note that this figure now includes cases identified using either a first LFD (Lateral Flow Device) or PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) positive test
• 29 new reported death(s) of people who have tested positive
• 44 people were in intensive care yesterday with recently confirmed COVID-19
• 1,571 people were in hospital yesterday with recently confirmed COVID-19
• 4,401,876 people have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination, 4,092,558 have received their second dose, and 3,223,113 have received a third dose or booster

Breaking that down by type:

• 3,734 PCR (only)
• 86 LFD and positive PCR
• 4,675 LFD (only)

Total= 8,495

Deaths

In the week ending 16 January, 132 deaths were registered where COVID-19 was on the death certificate , an increase of 60 deaths from the previous week.

91 deaths were aged 75 or older, 21 were aged 65 to 74, and 20 were under 65. 63 were female and 69 were male.

There were 14 deaths in North Lanarkshire, 13 in South Lanarkshire and 12 in City of Edinburgh. In total 25 council areas (out of 32) had at least one death involving COVID-19 last week.

77 deaths were in hospitals, 45 were in care homes and 10 were at home or a non-institutional setting.

Monthly analysis by NRS shows that the age-standardised rate of COVID-related deaths was lower in December 2021 (66 per 100,000 people) compared to November 2021 (96 per 100,000 people).

Throughout the pandemic, the highest rate of COVID-related deaths was 585 per 100,000 people in April 2020. 93% of people whose death involved COVID-19 (11,326 people) had at least one pre-existing condition with the most common condition being  dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.  

Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, said:

“The latest figures show that last week there were 132 deaths where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate. This is 60 more deaths than the previous week.

“The number of deaths from all causes registered in Scotland in this week was 1,501, which is 27, or 2%, fewer than the five year average.”

NRS state:

“The large increase in deaths this week will be partly due to Registrars catching up on a backlog of death registrations following Registration office closures over the holiday period.  However, this does not explain all of the increase.  Our analysis of deaths by date of occurrence shows that the number of deaths involving COVID-19 began to increase in mid-December, from a low point of six deaths per day to reach an average of 13 deaths per day in early January.

“There have been six deaths in Scotland in which the underlying cause of death was due to the adverse effects of vaccination against COVID-19, and one death where an adverse effect was mentioned on the death certificate. This is an increase of one from the figure reported last month. “

Since the start of the outbreak:

• 10,122 people have died who have tested positive as at 19 January
• 12,675 deaths have been registered in Scotland where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate up to 16 January
• 29% of COVID-19 registered deaths related to deaths in care homes, 64% were in hospitals and 7% were at home or non-institutional settings (as at 16 January)

• get the vaccine or the vaccine booster 
• take regular lateral flow tests – especially before mixing with other people or visiting a hospital or care home  – get lateral flow tests
• follow the guidance on self-isolating and booking a test
• wear a face covering where required
• limit your social contact – gather in groups of no more than 3 households
• wash your hands regularly and cover your nose and mouth if coughing or sneezing
• open windows when meeting indoors
• work from home, if you can
• use the apps: COVID status, Protect Scotland and Check-in Scotland