Coronavirus (COVID-19): state of the epidemic - 4 March 2022

Background

This report summarises the current situation of the Covid-19 epidemic in Scotland. It brings together the different sources of evidence and data about the epidemic in Scotland at this point in time, why we are at that place, and what is likely to happen next. This updates the previous publication published on 25 February 2022^[1]. The information in this document helps the Scottish Government, the health service and the wider public sector respond to the epidemic and put in place what is needed to keep us safe and treat people who have the virus.

This edition of the State of the Epidemic summarises current data on Covid-19 at a national and local level, and how Scotland currently compares to the rest of the UK. It looks at the vaccination program in Scotland and its impact. Information is provided about variants of concern and what impact these may have. Bringing this information together in one place gives the opportunity to better understand the current state of the epidemic in Scotland.

The State of the Epidemic report this week will summarise data up to and including 2 March 2022.

Notice on Cases Data including Reinfections

From 1 March 2022, PHS began reporting on reinfections as part of their daily case data. Previously Covid-19 cases were based on an individual's first positive (PCR or LFD) test result only. The new daily case calculation includes both new infections and possible reinfections. Possible reinfections are defined as individuals who tests positive, by PCR or LFD, 90 days or more after their last positive test. The change has been applied retrospectively to cases and testing data by specimen date since the beginning of the pandemic. This is not the case for reporting date data, where reinfections were added to the total cumulative number of reported cases on 1 March. Methodology for hospital admissions is still being finalised but will be included in the reporting in the next few days. Reinfections will not apply to ICU admissions as they link on all positive tests. Hospital and ICU occupancy will be reviewed accordingly.