Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Gregor Young

Spike in Covid cases prompts reboot of respiratory disease updates

WEEKLY updates on respiratory diseases are to recommence in response to a rise in Covid-19 cases, a public health body has announced.

On Thursday, Public Health Scotland (PHS) released fresh statistics on cases of the virus, finding that hospital admissions due to Covid-19 have increased by 36.4%, with infection levels on the rise.

Between April and October, PHS generally moves to a four-weekly reporting of respiratory diseases, but with cases of the virus increasing, it has made the decision to report on a weekly basis, with the next set of figures due on July 5.

Experts at PHS say the virus has been increasing in wastewater over the last several weeks, accompanied by an increase in laboratory-confirmed PCR and self-reported cases.

PHS says the rate remains below the most recent peaks observed in spring and winter 2023.

Other seasonal infections, including flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), remain low.

In an effort to lower the number of Covid-19 cases, the PHS said on its website: “Maintaining proper hand and respiratory hygiene can help protect against numerous common viruses.

“If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection and feel unwell, or have a fever, you should stay at home and avoid contact with other people.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.