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NHS Lothian 'under extreme pressure' as Covid infections rise in Scotland

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Vincent
Published date24 June 2022
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that in the week ending June 17, an estimated 250,700 people in private households had the virus – equating to around one in 20

This is up from around one in 30 people the previous week and is the highest level in the UK.

Kara Steel, senior statistician for the ONS COVID-19 Infection Survey, said: "Rates have continued to rise across the UK, with the largest increase seen in Scotland.

"In England, infections increased across all age groups, with the lowest level of infection seen in school-aged children.

"These increases are largely driven by the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 variants. We will continue to closely monitor the data."

ONS figures for Scotland are given for the week ending June 17, while for England, Wales and Northern Ireland they are for the week ending June 18.

Separate Public Health Scotland (PHS) data published on Wednesday showed cases of COVID-19 rose by almost a third in Scotland last week.

There were 15,541 cases reported in the week to June 19, PHS said, up 30.5% from 11,909 the previous week.

NHS Lothian said its hospital system is under "extreme pressure".

Tracey Gillies, medical director of NHS Lothian, said: "The number of hospital inpatients who have tested positive has increased by 50% since a week ago. This presents many logistical issues as they need to be cared for within COVID-19 specific areas.

"On top of that, and in line with community transmission levels, there are increased numbers of staff testing positive with COVID-19, who must then self-isolate to protect patients.

"All of this means services are stretched right across the system...

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