Indeed, although case numbers are lower than in early September, we are seeing a slightly different age distribution - with increases in the older rather than the younger populations. One consequence of the continued high number of cases, is that the NHS remains under significant pressure. We can’t ignore the fact that case numbers have started to creep up again.Īnd, of course, even before this recent increase, they were at a level higher than we would have wanted. However, as we know from experience, there is never any room for complacency with this virus. We are certainly not experiencing a surge in new cases of anything like the magnitude of late August. Having had the highest rate for a period, Scotland currently has the lowest COVID case rate of the four UK nations.Īnd the increase in cases is, at this stage, relatively small – around 2%. It is, of course, important to see this in a wider context. Now, the average is just over 2,500 cases a day. To illustrate that further, three weeks ago, there was on average just under 2,500 new cases being reported each day. Indeed, in recent days, we have been reporting a very slight increase in cases. However, over the past three weeks, while cases remain much lower than the previous peak, the decline has levelled off. It showed that increased compliance with mitigations, together with increased immunity through vaccination, previous infections, or, in some cases, both, had been capable of stemming even the Delta variant. The fact that cases had declined so steeply – without the need for tougher restrictions – was extremely welcome. In my statement before the recess, I reported that case numbers had fallen by more than 20% in the preceding week, and by more than 60% in the preceding five weeks. This reflects our assessment that, although the situation is greatly improved since August, it does remain fragile as we head into the winter period.
This weekly update coincides with the latest three-week review point for the remaining regulations.Īnd so I can confirm - as indicated a moment ago - that at our meeting earlier today the Cabinet agreed to make no change to the current regulations that are in place. And, of course, for most people in these age groups, only a single dose is recommended at this stage. In addition, 75% of 16 and 17 year olds, and 53% of 12 to 15 year olds, have had a first dose. This includes 96% of the over 40s, 76% of 30 to 39 year olds, and 67% of 18 to 29 year olds. In total, 87% of the over 18 population is now fully vaccinated with two doses.
However, at this stage I will confirm that 4,309,932 people have received a first dose. And I will provide more details on the booster programme later. More positively, the vaccination programme continues to make good progress. Once again I want to send my condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one. That takes the total number of deaths registered under this daily definition, to 9,072. I will also report on the progress of the vaccination programme and provide a brief update on international travel, and lastly, give a summary of the mitigations that are being deployed to minimise, the risks of transmission at or around COP26.įirst, though, I will report on the most recent statistics.Ģ,262 positive cases were reported yesterday – 11.5% of all tests conducted.ĩ17 people are currently in hospital with COVID – 15 more than yesterday.ĥ9 people are receiving intensive care, two more than yesterday.Īnd, sadly, a further 20 deaths have been reported over the past 24 hours. In light of that, I will confirm that no immediate changes are being proposed to the mitigations that remain in place. In giving an update on the latest COVID situation I will provide an assessment of the current course of the pandemic.