The number of people with Covid-19 in Scotland has increased for the sixth week in a row, new figures show. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) infection survey, around one in 16 people in Scotland had coronavirus in the week to July 7 which equals around 334,000 people.
Sarah Crofts, head of analytical outputs for the ONS Covid-19 Infection Survey, said: "Infections are showing no signs of decreasing, with rates approaching levels last seen in March this year at the peak of the Omicron BA.2 wave. Rates have continued to increase across the UK and among all age groups. We will continue to closely monitor the data."
Omicron sub-variants BA.4 and BA.5 have played a role in the rise of cases in the UK. Lack of testing, reinfections and high levels of social gathering have also contributed to the spreading of coronavirus.
The ONS said coronavirus is most widespread in Scotland after cases increased from the 312,800 reported last week. Elsewhere, Wales saw infections jump to around one in 17 of its population, while England reported cases in around one in 19.
Cases in Northern Ireland were also seen in around one in 17 people. Data for Wales, England and Northern Ireland covered the week ending July 6.
This comes as the Scottish government has confirmed another booster vaccine will be offered to high risk groups from September. Care home residents and staff will be able to get a further booster to offer stronger protection against the virus.
The booster will also be offered to frontline health and social workers, as well as those aged over 50 and vulnerable people with underlying health conditions. These boosters will be administered to those eligible with the flue vaccination.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “The vaccination programme in Scotland continues to be a huge success and this is testament to the efforts of everyone involved in its delivery and all those who took up their appointment offers.
“Vaccination has been our most effective tool against coronavirus. However, the degree of protection offered wanes over time.
“The additional booster dose will improve your level of protection significantly and is the best way to protect yourself, your family and, of course, the NHS when we head into the busy winter months."
