In Scotland, Covid Is Having A 'Crunch Week' As The Latest Data Is Awaiting.

 

As data on cases over Hogmanay becomes available, the impact of the Omicron Covid variation is expected to become evident this week.

Since December 31, no figures have been available, but headline information will be given later on Monday.

Jillian Evans, the chief of health intelligence for NHS Grampian, said data from her region indicated that cases were still doubling every three days.

She predicted that figuring out the implications of the variant would take a "crunch week."

According to the most recent numbers, 11,962 instances were reported on New Year's Eve, however this number could be underestimated due to the high volume of positive tests causing delays in reporting findings.

The previous day, 16,867 positive tests were reported, which was the highest daily total ever.

The previous day, 16,867 positive tests were reported, marking the highest daily total since the epidemic began in early 2020.

According to Ms Evans, who spoke to BBC Scotland's Seven Days, "Everything will change this week when the schools reopen, and the case numbers and their impact will become very clear.

"It will become very real to individuals, not only in terms of their health, but also in terms of the potential disruption of their way of life."

On Monday and Tuesday, headline figures for cases, deaths, positivity, and hospital numbers will be announced, followed by more detailed data on Wednesday.

"I believe this is the pivotal week for us, as we begin to witness the impact of those high-profile cases and schools reopening, as well as the intergenerational repercussions of those high-profile cases.

Shirley-Anne Somerville, Scotland's Education Secretary, has asked students and staff to do a lateral flow test before returning to school, and if the results are positive, to isolate and schedule a PCR test.

"Keeping schools open securely and minimizing additional interruption to learning is our top concern," she said.

"We'll need the help of the entire school community to do this. Preventing outbreaks of the virus can be as simple as taking lateral flow tests before returning to school and continuing to test on a regular basis."

Drop-in vaccinations for 12 to 15-year-olds are now available in some places, and they are advised to get a second dose if at least 12 weeks have passed since their initial injection.