The total number of people dying every week in Scotland has returned to normal levels following a spike in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Data from the National Records of Scotland (NRS) revealed that from June 22-28 there were 1,006 deaths.
This was actually 20 fewer deaths than the average of 1,026 over the last five years.
It is the first time since the week of March 23-29, the initial week of lockdown, that the total number of weekly deaths has fallen below the average.
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NRS data suggests the total number of coronavirus deaths in Scotland is now 4,155, with 35 more deaths recorded in the last week – down 14 on the previous week.
Covid-19 deaths accounted for 3% of all fatalities registered this week, down from a peak of 36% during the week of April 20-26.
This is the ninth consecutive week there has been a fall in the weekly deaths reported by NRS each week.
This figure differs slightly from the daily total given by Nicola Sturgeon as it includes deaths where coronavirus is suspected as well as confirmed.
In care home and hospitals, coronavirus was the cause of the majority of excess deaths; whilst in home and non-institutional settings there were far fewer excess deaths involving the virus.
Nicola Sturgeon pointed to the figures in her daily briefing, saying they demonstrated the "real and sustained" progress the country had made in tackling the virus.
Pete Whitehouse, NRS director of statistical services, said: “These statistics represent the heartbreak of many families across the country who have lost loved ones and every death from this virus is a tragedy.
“Since the peak in mid-April, the number of registered COVID-19 related deaths has fallen for nine successive weeks. In the week ending 28th June, 35 COVID-19 related deaths were registered, representing the second smallest weekly total since the start of the pandemic in Scotland.
“This week also marks the first time since the start of the pandemic in Scotland that the total number of deaths from all causes is below the five-year average for this time of year.
“Producing these statistics, alongside the other important evidence being made available by the Scottish Government and Health Protection Scotland (HPS), provides vital information to help understand the progression and impact of the virus in Scotland.”
