Scotland records 15 new coronavirus deaths

One of Northern Ireland's most senior officials said some things could have been done differently during the pandemic

Published 17th Oct 2020

A further 15 coronavirus deaths have been registered in Scotland, the latest Scottish Government figures show.

The daily statistics saw a large rise in cases and people admitted to hospital with the virus, as well as an increase in the percentage of positive tests for Covid-19.

The total number of fatalities now stands at 2,609, though separate figures from the National Records of Scotland, which record all deaths where coronavirus is mentioned on the death certificate, suggest the true death toll is 4,301.

In the past 24 hours, 1,167 people have tested positive for the virus, representing 17.6% of newly-tested individuals, up from 16.9% on Friday.

There are 675 people in hospital confirmed to have the virus as of yesterday, up by 46 in 24 hours.

Of these patients, 62 were in intensive care, up by four.

The Scottish Government has introduced a number of measures to halt the rise in Covid-19 in Scotland, with pubs and restaurants closed in the central belt, and people across the country banned from visiting each other's homes.

Hear all the latest news from the North East of Scotland on the hour, every hour, at Northsound 1. Listen on FM, via our Northsound app, on your DAB radio, online at Northsound1.co.uk, or say ‘Play Northsound 1’ on your Smart Speaker.