The increase in covid cases in Scotland appears to be slowing
A decision on vaccinating 12-15 year olds is due in the coming days.
Last updated 8th Sep 2021
New data shows the rate of increase of Covid-19 cases in Scotland appears to be slowing down, Nicola Sturgeon has said.
In a statement to MSPs at the Scottish Parliament, the First Minister told them an increase of more than 70% in the average new daily cases was recorded between the week to August 22 and the week to August 29.
However, figures for the most recent week, to September 5, show a daily average of 6,304 – an increase of 9%.
The First Minister said: "The latest data also gives us some early, albeit tentative at this stage, indication that the rate of increase may now be slowing down.
"That can be seen from an analysis of the last three weeks of case numbers.
"In the week to August 22, based on the date test samples were taken, an average of 3,374 new cases per day were recorded.
"In the week to August 29, that had risen to an average of 5,763 a day - an increase of more than 70%.
"However, figures for the most recent week, to September 5, show a daily average of 6,304 - an increase of 9%.''
Nicola Sturgeon continued: "In the last week, 75% of all cases have been in those aged under 45. This is consistent with the broad picture throughout this current wave of infection.
"However, further analysis of the under 45s, shows variation between different age bands - and also scope for some very cautious optimism.
"For example in the most recent week, the number of cases in the 0-14 year old age band has risen by 44%.
"While that is a significant increase, it represents a significant slowing in the rate of increase from the previous week, when cases in that age group increased by more than 150%.
"Cases in the 25 to 44 year old age band have also continued to rise, but again the rate of increase has slowed quite considerably. It was 6% in the most recent week, compared to almost 70% in the week before.
"And amongst 15 to 24 year olds, cases have actually fallen in the most recent week by 18% - from just under 11,000 to just under 9,000. In the previous week, cases in that age group increased by 29."