Vast majority of deaths from Covid-19 coronavirus among the over-75s, new Scottish figures reveal
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First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has laid out some of the measures needed to protect both residents and staff of care homes as the latest Covid-19 statistics show that more than 73 per cent of deaths so far have been among the over-75s.
Ms Sturgeon said a rapid action group was responding to any issues in care homes including the testing of care home staff and residents who are in any way symptomatic.
Figures released today by the National Records of Scotland give the most detailed break down yet of deaths where Covid-19 is either confirmed or suspected.
For the first time deaths by local authority area have been revealed.
Within the Highland Council area there have been 22 deaths where Covid-19 is known or suspected, with 18 of those deaths occurring in hospital, three at home and one within a care home.
There were seven deaths in the week starting March 30, with six the following week and nine the week after that.
Within the larger NHS Highland health board area the death toll is 50 so far, with seven people dying in care homes, eight at home and 35 in hospital.
Nationally, Scotland has suffered a total of 1616 deaths.
Most of those deaths were among the over-75s with just one per cent among people aged under 45.
Ms Sturegon said: “This information is important because it gives us as full a picture as possible of the toll that the virus is having and how and where it is progressing.
“It shows that almost three-quarters of those who have died are aged over 75. However it also shows that much younger people do sometimes die as a result of this virus.
“That is an important reminder that all of us are potentially at risk and to follow the guidance.
"The numbers also provide information about the location in which people died.
"So far 56 per cent of those who have died, died in hospital, 33 per cent – 537 people in total – have died in care homes and 10 per cent have died at home or in some other setting.
“Now we know that older people in care homes are particularly vulnerable to this virus, but we must match that increased vulnerability with enhanced protection.
“Clear guidance on isolation in care homes has been in place now for some time and it is of course the duty of providers of care homes to make sure that guidance is followed.”
Ms Sturgeon set out the measures now being taken to protect care homes, stressing that they are “in addition to, and not a substitute for, the clear social distancing measures” already in place:
- NHS directors of public health are taking enhanced clinical leadership for care homes.
- A national rapid action group has been established which will receive daily updates and ensure quick local action is taken to deal with any emerging issues.
- Testing for staff and residents is being expanded so all symptomatic residents of care homes will be tested for Covid-19
- Patients discharged from hospital should only be admitted or readmitted to care homes once they have had two negative tests
- New admission to care homes should be tested and isolated for 14 days
