Published by Public Health Scotland is the weekly update on Covid and Respiratory Conditions as at 9th March 2023
Covid
- In Scotland, in the week ending 21 February 2023, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 117,100 (95% credible interval: 98,200 to 137,800), equating to 2.22% of the population, or around 1 in 45 people (Source: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, UK – Office for National Statistics)
- There were on average 819 patients in hospital with COVID-19, a 14.5% increase from the previous week ending 26 February 2023 (715)
- During the current Winter 2022 vaccination programme a total of 1,988,504 people have been vaccinated for COVID-19 and 1,933,706 adults have been vaccinated for influenza
In the week ending 05 March 2023, there were 1,816 reported positive COVID-19 cases (compared to 1,719 in week ending 26 February 2023).
There were 251 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 four NHS Health Boards, and the previous week’s figures have been rolled forward. These provisional data will be refreshed next week.
There were 27 COVID-19 admissions (2.7%) per 1,000 emergency admissions. In the same week, the 80+ age group had the highest rate of COVID-19 admissions (5.1%) and the 30-39 age group had the lowest rate (0.7%)
The number of COVID-19 patients in hospital is an indicative measure of the pressure on hospitals, as these patients still require isolation from other patients for infection control purpose
The average number of patients in hospital with COVID-19 most recently peaked at the start of January 2023. In the most recent week ending 05 March 2023, on average there were 819 patients in hospital with COVID-19 which is a 14.5% increase from the previous week ending 26 February 2023, when on average there were 715 patients.
Over the past week there were on average 213 patients in ICU, of which 6.1% (13 patients) had a positive SARS-CoV-2 result.
The waste water sampling for fragments of coronavirus’ ribonucleic acid (RNA) in Kirkwall continues to show a positive result.
Flu
Influenza remained at Baseline activity level (0.9 per 100,000 population).
There were 55 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases: 15 type A (not subtyped), three A(H1N1), three A(H3) and 34 type B. This compares to 59 laboratory-confirmed cases reported during week 08
NHS Orkney remained at Moderate activity level.
There were 25 influenza related emergency hospital admissions, corresponding to an admission rate of 0.5 per 100,000 population.
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
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