Weekly covid deaths have begun to slow for the first time since the virus hit the UK, statistics show, although the proportion taking place in care homes continues to rise.

By the 3^rd May, 2,795 deaths have been registered in Scotland where covid-19 was mentioned in the death certificate, according to statistics published today by National Records of Scotland (NRS).

Nearly six in ten of total deaths to date have now taken place in care homes, the figures show.

But for the first time since reporting of registered deaths relating to covid-19 began there has been a reduction in virus-related deaths.

Last week, 523 deaths relating to covid-19 were registered, a decrease of 135 from the previous week.

More than half of all registered deaths involving covid-19 that happened last week took place in Scotland’s care homes, the statistics also show.

Despite growing calls for some NHS services to be restarted that were paused as the health service prepared for a surge of covid-19 patients, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday that it was still too early for lockdown restrictions to be eased. The Government has said that resumption of some health services is being “actively considered”.

Last week a leading microbiologist called for more testing in and support for care homes to stop the virus “rampaging” through vulnerable residents.

Although the proportion of care home deaths rose from the 27^th April to the 3^rd May, the total number of deaths there fell to 310, down from 339 the week before.

The total number of deaths registered in Scotland from the 27^th April to the 3^rd May was 1,673 – 55% more than the average number of deaths registered in the same week over the last five years, which stands at 1,079.

This is a decrease of 163 from the number registered the week before. Of these 594 excess deaths, 83% were deaths where COVID-19 was the underlying cause of death.

Three quarters of registered deaths where covid-19 is mentioned as a contributing factor or main cause of death were people aged 75 or over. Of all deaths to date involving covid-19, 52% were male and 48% were female.

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