Nicola Sturgeon covid update: What happened at First Minister's latest coronavirus announcement

AuthorGary Armstrong
Published date21 September 2021
Publication titleGlasgowLive (Scotland)
Speaking at the Scottish Parliament this afternoon, the First Minister said cases reduced by 31% in the week to September 18, after previously having risen by 80% at the end of last month.

However, despite a drop in covid-19 cases, Nicola Sturgeon warned against complacency as hospital admissions and intensive care treatment have soared.

During her speech, the First Minister also spent time sharing the Scottish Government's 'real concerns' over changes to testing requirements for international travellers arriving in the country.

Meanwhile, Nicola Sturgeon has announced what the Scottish Government defines as a nightclub, ahead of plans to require vaccine passports to enter the venues, which will be introduced from 5am on October 1.

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Here's everything the First Minister said in her speech at the Scottish Parliament this afternoon:

"Presiding Officer

"I will give an update today on the latest Covid situation.

"As part of that, I will summarise changes to the rules on international travel - some of which will take effect tomorrow and others in early October.

"I will also provide an update on development of the Covid certification scheme, ahead of further details being published later this week.

"Firstly, though, I will give a summary of today's statistics.

"2,870 positive cases were reported yesterday – 11.7% of all tests carried out.

"1,107 people are in hospital with Covid – 19 more than yesterday.

"And 94 people are in intensive care, 3 fewer than yesterday.

"Sadly, a further 18 deaths were reported in the past 24 hours, which takes the total number of deaths registered under the daily definition, to 8,396.

"As always, I send my condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one.

"Good progress continues to be made on the vaccination programme.

"As of this morning, 4,160,835 people have received a first dose and 3,813,547 have now had both doses.

"That includes 96% of people aged 40 and over, 74% of 30 to 39 year olds; and 62% of 18 to 29 year olds.

"As I indicated last week, more than 3/4 of 18 to 29 year olds have had a first dose, so the proportion in that age group becoming fully vaccinated will continue to increase.

"In addition, 70% of 16 and 17 year olds have now had the first jag - 5 percentage points higher than at this time last week.

"Additionally, the programme of booster vaccinations is now underway, in line with the advice received from the JCVI.

"Care home residents started getting booster jags yesterday.

"From the end of September, people aged over 70, and those on the highest risk list – previously the shielding list - will start to get booster jags. Notification of appointments will be either by letter or from GPs.

"Vaccinations for 12 to 15 year olds also started this week. They were available at drop-in centres in 6 health board areas yesterday, and will be available in all mainland health board areas from tomorrow.

"Appointment letters will be sent next week to all 12 to 15 year olds who haven't already been vaccinated. Parents and carers will be encouraged to accompany their children to appointments.

"I would again encourage all 12 to 15 year olds, and parents or carers, to read the information about vaccination that is available online, so that an informed decision can be made about getting the vaccine.

"Also, any questions or concerns can be raised and addressed with vaccinators when attending appointments.

"All of this reflects our determination, as I stressed last week, to make sure that the programme for 12 to 15 year olds is based on the principle of informed consent.

"Last week, I indicated that we were seeing early signs that the number of new cases might be starting to fall.

"I am glad to say that I am even more confident about this now. The early signs I spoke about last week have become much firmer over the last 7 days.

"Members will recall that in the week to 28 August new cases increased by more than 80%.

"In the week after that, the rate of increase slowed to 11%.

"And last week, we were able to report that cases...

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