The latest data published by Public Health Scotland is as follows:

Covid

• In Scotland, in the week ending 10 January 2023, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 171,500 (95% credible interval: 147,700 to 197,000), equating to 3.26% of the population, or around 1 in 30 people (Source: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, UK – Office for National Statistics)
• In the week ending 22 January 2023, there were on average 891 patients in hospital with COVID-19, a 22.3% decrease from the previous week ending 15 January 2023 (1,147)
• In the week ending 22 January 2023 there were 9 new admissions to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) with a laboratory confirmed test of COVID-19, a decrease of 10 from the previous week (15 January 2023)
• By week ending 22 January 2023 of the 1,981,281 people vaccinated for COVID-19 as part of the Winter 2022 vaccination programme, 90.1% were vaccinated for Flu at the same vaccination appointment
• In the week ending 15 January 2023, there were 101 deaths involving COVID-19 (17 more than the previous week) (Source: National Records of Scotland)
• As at 16 January 2023, the number of people waiting for a social care assessment was just over 7,500

Sampling for  fragments of coronavirus’ ribonucleic acid (RNA) in local waste water in Orkney (area covered by Kirkwall sewage system) continues to show a positive result.

Flu

• The incidence rate of influenza has decreased to Low activity level overall.
  • There were 243 influenza cases: 183 type A (not subtyped), 37 A(H3), 9 A(H1N1)pdm09 and 14 type B. This compares to 562 laboratory-confirmed cases reported during week 02.
  • Influenza by age: The under 1, 1-4, 5-14, 15-44 and 45-64 age groups decreased from Moderate to Low activity level. The 65-74 and over 75 age groups remained at Moderate activity level
  • Influenza by NHS Board: four NHS Boards were at Baseline, Seven NHS boards were at Low, two were at Moderate, and one (NHS Shetland) was at High activity level.

The hospitalisation rate for influenza peaked at 27.1 per 100,000 in week 51 2022 and   gradually reduced since then to 4.0 per 100,000 in week 02 2023.  The highest hospital admission rate in week 02 for confirmed influenza was amongst patients aged 75 and over (16.2 per 100,000), followed by those aged one to four years old (10.7 per 100,000).

Influenza vaccine data show that at the end of week 03, an estimated total of 2,520,535 individuals have received their vaccine. This includes 1,928,731 eligible adults of whom 959,182 are aged 65 years and over. In addition, 90.1% 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.

DEATHS

All-cause excess mortality for week 52 (the latest week not impacted by reporting delays) remained at High activity level.

There was an increase in the 0-4 age group to Moderate activity level.

The 15-64 and 65 and above age groups remained at Moderate activity level and the 5-14 age group remained at Baseline activity level.

Although data for the most recent weeks are still incomplete, all-cause mortality in weeks 01 and 02 remains elevated in the 65+ age group. Further examination of the cause of death in these individuals reveals that the excess in the numbers of deaths are increasingly due to respiratory causes. Deaths Involving #Covid 19.01.2023

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. 

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