Deaths involving COVID-19 Week 32-3rd to 9th August

As at 9th August, 4,213 deaths have been registered in Scotland where the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was mentioned on the death certificate, according to statistics published by National Records of Scotland (NRS) today.

Between 3rd – 9th August, five deaths were registered that mentioned COVID-19 on the death certificate, representing a decrease of two from last week. This is the lowest weekly total for deaths involving COVID-19 since the first death was recorded in early March.

Updated analysis, covering the period from 1st March to 31st July, on mortality by occupation, deprivation, pre-existing conditions and by urban and rural areas has also been published today. The key findings remain similar to those published last month, for the period 1st March to 30th June and show:

• Adjusting for age, people in the most deprived areas were two times more likely to die with COVID-19 than those living in the least deprived areas.
• Adjusting for age, people living in larger urban areas were over four times more likely to die with COVID-19 than those in remote locations.
• Of those who died with COVID-19 in March to July, 92% had at least one pre-existing condition.  The most common main pre-existing condition among those who died with COVID-19 was dementia and Alzheimer’s disease representing 31%.
• Going forward, NRS will produce a monthly publication on mortality related to COVID-19, with the next report will be available on 16th September.
• Data on deaths from all causes, excess deaths and COVID-19 related deaths will continue to be made available on a weekly basis, through the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 dashboard, and through UK analysis from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, said: 

“Every death from this virus is a tragedy and these statistics represent the heartbreak of many families across the country who have lost loved ones.

“Today’s publication shows a continuing decline in the number of people dying from COVID-19. Since the peak week in mid-April, when 661 COVID-19 related deaths were registered, today’s report shows the lowest weekly total for deaths since the first death was recorded in early March.

“As number of deaths from all causes have now thankfully returned to average levels and the weekly count of deaths involving COVID-19 continues to decline, NRS will from next week alter our approach to publication.  Each month we will now publish a comprehensive and detailed analysis of COVID-19 related and all cause deaths.  Each week we will make available via the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 ‘Four Harms’ dashboard the latest headline figures on COVID-19 related deaths, deaths from all causes and excess deaths. This decision by NRS to halt production of our current detailed weekly publication of COVID-19 related deaths, will be reconsidered should there be a significant change in the spread or impact of COVID-19.”

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