Deaths involving COVID-19 statistics published by National Records of Scotland

As at 5th April, 354 deaths have been registered in Scotland where COVID-19 was mentioned in the death certificate, according to statistics published by National Records of Scotland (NRS) today. The first mention of COVID-19 in a death registration was the week beginning 16th March 2020.

Between 30th March to 5th April, 282 deaths relating to COVID-19 have been registered. There were 62 in the previous week, 23rd to 29th March, and 10 in the week before, 16th to 22nd March.

To place these statistics in context, the total number of deaths registered in Scotland from 30th March to 5th April  was 1,741. The average number of deaths registered in the same week over the last five years was 1,098.

NRS statistics capture all deaths registered where the death certificate states that COVID-19 was relevant to the cause of death. This includes those where a positive test has taken place and also those where it is suspected that COVID -19 was a relevant factor - and covers all settings, including hospital and community deaths.

Over 60% of all deaths involving COVID -19 were people aged 75 or over.

Greater Glasgow and Clyde has recorded the highest number of COVID-19 deaths in the year up to 5th April with 122 deaths registered. To date, no COVID-19 related deaths have been registered in Orkney and Western Isles.

Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, said:

“We are living in unprecedented times and all of these deaths are tragic. These statistics, when placed alongside the other important evidence being made available by the Scottish Government and Health Protection Scotland (HPS), will be valuable to the understanding of the progress and impact of the COVID-19 virus across Scotland.

“We have produced these statistics based on deaths involving COVID-19, so this includes any deaths where COVID-19 is mentioned on the death certificate, whether it is the underlying cause of death or a contributory cause and includes registered deaths resulting from suspected or probable COVID-19.

“Using this methodology means that our statistics will differ from the number of deaths released daily by HPS which report on deaths with an associated positive test for COVID-19, and it is expected that NRS statistics will show a higher number of deaths. This is because NRS figures report on deaths involving confirmed and also suspected or probable cases of COVID-19.”

The publication Deaths involving coronavirus (COVID-19) in Scotland and an infographic summary is available from this website.