SCOTLAND has set a new record high for the number of people to receive their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine, with more than 50,000 getting the jag in one day.
New figures released by the Scottish Government showed that 839,266 people have now had their first jab.
That figure was an increase of 52,839 on the previous day’s total, with vaccinators setting another record high for the number of injections given.
The record was welcomed by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who tweeted that Scotland was “on track to hit all targets” in the massive vaccination campaign – which aims to reach some 4.4 million adults across the country.
A record 52,839 vaccinations in 🏴 yesterday 👏
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) February 7, 2021
839,226 have now had first dose, inc 99.5% of older care home residents, 90% of staff in older adult care homes, 94%+ of over 80s living in community, 64% of those aged 75-79 and 26% of 70-74 yr olds. On track to hit all targets.
The latest vaccination figures were announced at the same time as a further 584 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in Scotland – with this representing 6.9% of those tested for the virus.
The number of new cases was the lowest it had been for almost two months, after 572 cases were recorded on December 19.
A further seven deaths were reported, with the total number of people who died within 28 days of testing positive for the disease now at 6,431.
However, the number of deaths reported is usually lower at the weekend, as most registration offices are closed.
Meanwhile, there are 1,710 people in hospital with recently confirmed coronavirus, the latest daily figures showed, a reduction of 19.
That includes 108 people in intensive care, with this total having fallen by nine in the past 24 hours.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman also welcomed the record day, tweeting: "Huge thanks to everyone turning up in the cold and wind for your jag and to all our vaccinators, support staff and volunteers. This is great work."
Huge thanks to everyone turning up in the cold and wind for your jag and to all our vaccinators, support staff and volunteers. This is great work. Thank you 🙏 https://t.co/FoEdFPZ0C4
— Jeane Freeman (@JeaneF1MSP) February 7, 2021
Freeman said: “Today’s figures show a record increase in the number of people vaccinated in Scotland – with a rise of 52,839 reported in those receiving their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
“This is testament to the vaccination teams in health boards across the country who are working seven days a week to achieve this.
“The vaccination programme is one of three key ways we are working to beat this virus, along with our expanded testing programme to identify cases and break chains of transmission and the important lockdown restrictions everyone in Scotland must follow.
“All these measures work to greatest effect when they work together.”
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