Nicola Sturgeon has promised a formal public inquiry into ‘every aspect’ of the current virus crisis, including care homes.

It comes as the most recent figures show weekly deaths are now 60% lower than they were at the height of the virus.

Pressed in Holyrood today by Scottish Conservative leader Jackson Carlaw on care homes in Scotland during the pandemic, the First Minister there would “of course” be an inquiry into the whole crisis.

“Every aspect” would be subject to review, she said, which would “undoubtedly” include what happened in care homes.

From the 18^th to the 24^th May, 230 deaths relating to covid-19 were registered, a decrease of 105 from the previous week.

More than half of deaths registered last week involving covid-19 occurred in care homes.

A total of 124 deaths occurred in residential care settings where covid-19 was included on the death certificate – a reduction of 62 from the previous week and the fourth consecutive week in which the number of deaths has fallen.

This means covid-19 fatalities as a proportion of all deaths fell to 19% last week, having reached a peak of 36% four weeks ago.

In recent days opposition MSPs have rounded on the First Minister over the discharge of untested patients in March and April to care homes as the NHS prepared for a surge in covid-19 cases.

Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard accused the Scottish Government of following “flawed guidance” in this area at the expense of older, vulnerable people.

Nearly 60% of Scotland’s care homes have reported at least one suspected case of covid-19.

Ms Sturgeon said applying hindsight to past decisions was unhelpful, arguing decisions were made at the time “for the best reasons” and “based on the best evidence”.

The Scottish Government is due to make a decision tomorrow as to whether the first steps out of current lockdown restrictions can be taken.

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