Deaths in Scotland up by a third during pandemic

The average number of deaths in Scotland increased by a third between April and June, with 3,739 coronavirus fatalities recorded, according to the National Records of Scotland (NRS).

The NRS said 18,201 people died during the period, 4,515 more than the five-year average.

Covid-19 accounted for 83% of these excess deaths.

There were also increases in deaths with cancer (1.5%), dementia and Alzheimer's disease (24.5%), cerebrovascular disease (5.3%), diseases of the genitourinary system (22.5%) and diabetes (26.2%).

Deaths from transport accidents fell by 69.1%, respiratory diseases by 20.6% and coronary heart disease by 1.8%.

While there were only 1,145 births recorded in the quarter, NRS said the number is artificially low as registration offices were closed during the pandemic lockdown.

The lockdown measures also resulted in a significant drop in weddings.

Only 117 marriages took place, compared with an average of 7,938 second quarter marriages for the previous five years.

There were five same-sex marriages, compared with an average of 286, and one civil partnership, down from an average of 16.

Julie Ramsay, vital events statistician at NRS, said: "The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the number of deaths we normally see at this time of year, and the overall death rate is a third higher than the five year average.

"Covid-19 has also impacted the number of marriages, from April to June only 117 marriages took place, a stark contrast to the five year average of 7,938.

"Similarly only 1,145 births were recorded, as this period coincided with a postponement of the registration of births.

"We are likely to see a large increase in the number of birth registrations in the next quarter.''

The statistics are published in the NRS Births, Deaths and Other Vital Events - Quarterly Figures report.

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