Scotland's Covid-19 coronavirus death rate falls for fourth week in a row as lockdown easing decision looms

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says a continuing downward trend in coronavirus deaths gives encouraging signs ahead of tomorrow's decision on easing lockdown measures.

The latest statistics show a week-on-week decrease in the numbers of deaths from Covid-19 for the fourth week in a row.

Numbers dying from the infection in care homes have also declined but, based on the weekly figures, still make up more than half the number of people dying from coronavirus in Scotland.

According to daily numbers from health boards across Scotland a total of 15,240 positive cases have been confirmed, an increase of 55 since yesterday, with 1247 patients with suspected or confirmed Covid-19 in hospital – a rise of 47 in the last day.

As of last night 38 people were in intensive care with confirmed or suspected Covid-19, an increase of three, and there were another 13 deaths in the past 24 hours.

Saying that the number of deaths in care homes "remains too high" Ms Sturgeon nevertheless added: “These trends which have now been sustained for over four weeks do definitely gives us ground for encouragement.

"The weekly number of Covid-19 deaths has fallen by more than 60 per cent from its peak, excess deaths have reduced by more than three-quarters and deaths in care homes are also falling.

“Tomorrow we will take a formal decision on whether to begin to emerge from lockdown.

"Any early steps are likely to focus on outdoor activities and we will provide full information on what individuals and businesses should and should not be doing.

“I stress that, even if some restrictions are relaxed later this week, it will still be essential to follow guidance, for example to stay two metres apart from people from other households and to self-isolate if you have symptoms.”

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