Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, has expressed her condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in the covid-19 pandemic.

The weekly National Record of Scotland report regarding deaths caused by coronavirus showed that up to 5th April, 354 people had died as a result of the virus. This spike in recorded deaths is in part due to the NRS, for the first time, included the deaths of those out with hospitals with ‘suspected’ covid-19 rather than just those who had died in hospital with confirmed covid-19. The previous figures for the death toll for the period ending 5th April was 220 deaths – this is the figure for only those who had passed away in hospital with confirmed covid-19.

The figures showed that the vast majority of deaths in Scotland so far have been among those aged over 65, with those aged over 75 accounting for 60% of the total. This week, Jackie Baillie also raised concerns over the growing number of care home patients who were dying as a result of the virus. She warned that these numbers would continue to grow if serious action wasn’t taken.

Jackie Baillie MSP said:

“My deepest sympathy goes out to all the friends, families and loved ones of those who have sadly passed away with confirmed and suspected covid-19. Each and every death is a tragedy.

“In particular, the family of Catherine Sweeney and the families of those who lost their lives at Castle View care home are in my thoughts at this difficult time.

“The figures released by the NRS are just a snapshot of the challenge that we face. The sharp spike in figures is in part due to the change in the way that data is being recorded but I cannot stress enough that it is also due to the fact that this virus is still rapidly spreading across our communities.

“I know that as the weather improves, many people would be tempted to go outside more. I urge everyone to continue following Government guidelines in order to ensure that no extra strain is put on our health services and that we protect both our own health and the health of those around us.”