The latest statistics published by Public Health Scotland on 18th of January 2023 are as follows:

Covid

• In Scotland, in the week ending 31 December 2022, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 219,600 (95% credible interval: 189,300 to 251,600), equating to 4.17% of the population, or around 1 in 25 people (Source: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, UK – Office for National Statistics)
• In the week ending 15 January 2023, there were on average 1,147 patients in hospital with COVID-19, a 11.6% decrease from the previous week ending 08 January 2023 (1,297)
• In the week ending 15 January 2023 there were 19 new admissions to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) with a laboratory confirmed test of COVID-19, an increase of 2 from the previous week (08 January 2023)
• By week ending 15 January 2023 of the 1,987,376 people vaccinated for COVID-19 as part of the Winter 2022 vaccination programme, 89.8% were vaccinated for Flu at the same vaccination appointment
• In the week ending 08 January 2023, there were 81 deaths involving COVID-19 (13 more than the previous week) (Source: National Records of Scotland)

Sampling of waste water for  coronavirus’ ribonucleic acid (RNA)  which is another indicator of the continued presence of the Covid virus locally in Kirkwall continues to show a positive result:

Flu

• The incidence rate of influenza has decreased to Moderate activity level overall.
  • There were 452 influenza cases: 348 type A (not subtyped), 69 A(H3), 14 A(H1N1)pdm09 and 21 type B. This compares to 1,363 laboratory-confirmed cases reported during week 01.
  • Influenza by age: The under 1, 1-4 and 5-14 age groups decreased to Low activity level, the 15-44, 45-64 and over 75 age groups decreased to Moderate activity level.

Influenza vaccine data show that at the end of week 02, an estimated total of 2,512,925 individuals have received their vaccine.  This includes 1,925,465 eligible adults of whom 959,539 are aged 65 years and over. In addition, 89.8% of those receiving their COVID winter booster and eligible for flu vaccine have received both vaccines at the same appointment. More detailed data for the 2022/23 winter programme are available on the PHS flu and COVID winter vaccination dashboard.

Covid vaccination booster uptake in Orkney for those aged 50+ and front line workers is at 80.5% or 9,467 people.

Flu vaccination in Orkney for the same cohort is at 72% or 9,303 people.

All-cause excess mortality for week 51 (the latest week not impacted by reporting delays) increased to High activity level overall. There was an increase in the 15-64 age group to Moderate activity level and the 65 and above age group to High activity level, but the under 15 age groups remained at Baseline activity level. Although data for the most recent weeks are still incomplete, all-cause mortality in weeks 52 and 01 remains elevated in the 65+ age group. Further examination of the cause of death in these individuals reveals an increase due to a range of non-infectious and infectious conditions, including COVID-19 and other respiratory pathogens.

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. 

To protect yourself and keep others safe:

• if you have symptoms of a virus, cold or flu, try to stay at home and avoid contact with others – if you do need to go out, wear a well-fitting face covering – read more about looking after yourself during the winter
• get your vaccines if offered to ensure you are fully protected
• follow the latest NHS guidance if you are feeling unwell – and know how to get the right care in the right place
• wear a face covering in indoor public places and on public transport
• socialise in well-ventilated spaces where possible
• wash your hands and clean surfaces regularly
• know where to get support for your mental health and money worries