Published by Public Health Scotland is the weekly update for 9th February 2023 on Covid and Flu

Covid

Seasonal coronavirus in week 05 (week ending 05/02/2023) NHS Orkney increased from Baseline to Moderate activity level.

• In Scotland, in the week ending 24 January 2023, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 75,900 (95% credible interval: 61,100 to 91,900), equating to 1.44% of the population, or around 1 in 70 people (Source: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, UK – Office for National Statistics)
• There were on average 716 patients in hospital with COVID-19, a 2.5% decrease from the previous week ending 29 January 2023 (734)

The latest waste water analysis covering the Kirkwall area records a weak positive.

In the latest week ending 05 February 2023, there were 220 new COVID-19 admissions to hospital. Hospital admissions for the most recent week are provisional and should be treated with caution. At the time of publication there were no data available for three NHS Health Boards, and the previous week’s figures have been rolled forward.

In the most recent week ending 05 February 2023, on average there were 716 patients in hospital with COVID-19 which is a 2.5% decrease from the previous week ending 29 January 2023, when on average there were 734 patients.

In the week ending 05 February 2023 there were 8 admissions to ICU, an increase of 2 from the previous week (29 January 2023) when there were 6 admissions

These numbers are important because it shows the continued pressure the NHS is under.

Flu

NHS Orkney remained at Moderate activity level.

In week 05 (week ending 05/02/2023):

• There were 131 influenza cases: 90 type A (not subtyped), eight A(H3), four A(H1N1)pdm09 and 29 type B. This compares to 175 laboratory-confirmed cases reported during week 04
• The incidence rate of influenza remained at Low activity level (2.4 per 100,000 population). Data are provisional and will be updated in next week’s report

• As part of the Winter 2022 vaccination programme 1,985,306 people have been vaccinated for COVID-19 and 1,931,866 adults have been vaccinated for influenza. 90.0% were vaccinated for influenza and COVID-19 at the same vaccination appointment
• For both COVID-19 and influenza, there has been increases in winter vaccine uptake across all ethnic groups and deprivation deciles since November 2022. The difference between the ethnic groups with the highest and lowest uptake and most and least deprived deciles has increased since November 2022

Deaths Involving #Covid Weekly Update

• 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

Fiona Grahame