The weekly Covid update from Public Health Scotland published on 21st of December is as follows:

• In Scotland, in the week ending 05 December 2022, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 100,700 (95% credible interval: 81,300 to 121,800), equating to 1.91% of the population, or around 1 in 50 people (Source: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, UK – Office for National Statistics)
• In the week ending 11 December 2022, there were 40 deaths involving COVID-19 (1 fewer than the previous week) (Source: National Records of Scotland)
• In the week ending 18 December 2022, there were on average 872 patients in hospital with COVID-19, a 18.6% increase from the previous week ending 11 December 2022 (735)
• In the week ending 18 December 2022 there were 13 new admissions to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) with a laboratory confirmed test of COVID-19, an increase of 4 from the previous week (11 December 2022)
• By week ending 18 December 2022 of the 1,958,053 people vaccinated for COVID-19 as part of the Winter 2022 vaccination programme, 90.2% were vaccinated for Flu at the same vaccination appointment
• As at 12 December 2022, the number of people waiting for a social care assessment was just over 7,000

It is important to get the combined Covid and Flu vaccination.

Public Health Scotland also reports (21st December) that :

• Influenza incidence increased from High to Extraordinary activity level
  • There were 1,358 influenza cases: 1,130 type A (subtype unknown), 161 A(H3), 52 A(H1N1)pdm09 and 15 type B.
  • The hospitalisation rate for influenza has been generally increasing since week 25 and was 7.5 per 100,000 in week 49, with the highest hospital admission rate for confirmed influenza noted in patients aged less than one year old (32.9 per 100,000). The number of hospitalised patients reported who have tested positive for influenza so far this season is higher than previous seasons (since 2017).

The next update will not be available until 6th of January 2023

All covid rules and restrictions have been lifted in Scotland, but the virus has not gone away. COVID-19, colds and flu can spread more easily in the winter.

We all still need to keep playing our part to protect ourselves and others. Stay well and make it safer for everyone this winter by:

• getting your vaccines if offered to ensure you are fully protected
• following the latest guidance if you are feeling unwell with symptoms or have a fever
• socialising in well-ventilated spaces where possible
• wearing a face covering in indoor public places and on public transport
• washing your hands and cleaning surfaces regularly
• knowing how to get the right care, in the right place
• knowing where to get support for your mental health and money worries
• keeping up to date with advice on staying healthy and being prepared for winter