NICOLA Sturgeon has addressed several key issues at the Scottish Government’s coronavirus briefing.
She announced a further 806 cases, 11.5% of newly tested individuals, in the daily update.
The First Minister was joined by national clinical director Jason Leitch as they spoke about a rising transmission rate, economic warnings, self-isolation guidance and new trends in how the virus is being spread.
Transmission rate
Sturgeon said while the majority of cases were found in under-40s – and particularly under-25s – “that must not give rise to complacency”.
She explained about a third of today’s cases were identified in the over-40 age group.
“While [younger people’s] risks of dying are lower, they are not non-existent,” the First Minister said. “We hear almost every day just now about what is described as 'long Covid', where young and otherwise healthy people have quite long-lasting health impacts from having had the virus.
READ MORE: Coronavirus in Scotland: 806 new Covid cases recorded over 24 hours
“The other point about this is that, while we're seeing a significant number of cases right now in the younger age groups, which is a phenomenon we've seen across Europe in this latest surge of Covid, it is the case that transmission amongst older age groups is also rising. Let's not pretend that is not the case.
“So around a third of today's cases are actually in the over-40 age group, and there are a number in the over-60 age group. So transmission is rising across the spectrum of age ranges.”
Economy
The Scottish Government's Chief Economist has published his regular state of the economy report. That report highlights that, year on year, economic output is likely to decline by 10% over the course of 2020.
Sturgeon said that figure was “not surprising”, but warned “that would still be the biggest reduction in output in modern times”.
She again called on the UK Government to increase support for workers once the furlough scheme ends next month.
READ MORE: Scotland's chief economist says economy may take to 2023 to recover
“We believe much more is still required and want to work with the UK Government constructively to that end,” the FM stated.
She added that the Scottish Government has announced an additional £1.1 billion in funding for Scottish health boards. The cash will help them meet additional costs associated with the pandemic, such as buying PPE, funding anti-infection measures, paying for additional staff and providing cover for staff who are unwell or self-isolating.
Self-isolation
Sturgeon reiterated her warning about complacency as she emphasised the important of self-isolation.
“Obviously there's lots of focus right now on students in halls of residence, but self-isolation is essential for all of us if we test positive, no matter where we live,” the FM said. “Essentially, if you have one of the recognised symptoms of Covid you should start to self-isolate immediately and book a test.
“You can do that through the NHS Inform website. I want to be very clear, while we're not complacent and monitor this carefully, there is good availability of and access to testing across Scotland, so make sure you don't delay in booking a test if you have symptoms.”
READ MORE: What Public Health Scotland's new figures tell us about the nation's hospitals
She added: “The key thing to stress here – but this is also the most difficult thing to stress – is that self-isolation really does mean self-isolation. It means not leaving your house at all.”
Sturgeon said support was in place to help those who have to self-isolate, with local authorities working to ensure people are offered help with food delivery and other essential services.
How is the virus being spread?
The First Minister said the latest data suggests universities are the “significant driver” of transmission among younger people.
For older Scots, the “significant themes” appear to be household mixing and hospitality.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon speaks out on universities amid fears students will 'go hungry'
She warned, however, that many of the infections that are being reported now will have happened before the new safety rules came into force.
“There will be a lag effect. It will be a couple of weeks before we see the benefit, hopefully, of the latest restrictions on household gatherings.”
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