First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has warned that the pressure of the NHS means covid-19 is still a threat this winter.
The First Minister confirmed in her speech at Parliament today that the entire health and care system is under considerable pressure, possibly more than any previous stage of the pandemic.
As winter approaches Nicola Sturgeon warned that the NHS which is already under increased pressure would struggle to cope.
Urging the Scottish public to continue to wear masks inside, walk instead of using public transport when possible and take lateral flow tests.
The First Minister reported on cases with around 2,500 new cases on average everyday.
The number of patients in hospital with Covid at any given time is lower than it was three weeks ago.
As of today it is 917, compared to 998 three weeks ago but has increased again in the last week.
Nicola Sturgeon said: “One consequence of the continued high number of cases is that the NHS remains under significant pressure.
“Indeed, although case numbers are lower than in early September, we are seeing a slightly different age distribution - with increases in the older rather than younger populations.
“That helps to explain why the steep reduction in case numbers has not been mirrored by an equally steep decline in hospital admissions.
“Covid related hospital occupancy - the number of patients in hospital with Covid at any given time - is lower than it was 3 weeks ago.
“It is as of today 917, compared to 998 three weeks ago. But it has increased again in the last week.
“Hospital admissions also remain high. There are still more than 600 people with Covid being admitted to hospital per week just now.
“And admissions to ICU have increased.
“What all of this means is that NHS staff are dealing with significant numbers of Covid patients, alongside other patient care, while also preparing for wider winter pressures, and dealing with the backlog of care built up in earlier stages of the pandemic.
“In fact, the entire health and care system is currently under considerable pressure – arguably more pressure than at any previous stage of the pandemic.
“Across the country, hospitals are at, or close to, capacity. The social care system is also under pressure and reporting an increase in the number of people requiring care packages.
“These pressures are, of course, likely to intensify during the winter.”
