Coronavirus (COVID-19): state of the epidemic - 18 February 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 11 January 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 16 February 2022.

Notices around Covid-19 policy and reporting changes

On 5 January 2022, the Scottish Government announced that people who do not have symptoms of Covid-19 will no longer be asked to take a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test to confirm a positive Lateral Flow Device (LFD) result. Changes have been made to the national Covid-19 case definition to reflect the revised testing strategy.

From Thursday 13 January, the Scottish Government and PHS began reporting on the number of people with a Covid-19 infection confirmed by either a PCR or first LFD positive test, which was presented as 'experimental statistics'. Starting from 10 February 2022, Covid-19 case numbers are no longer published under experimental statistics and are using the established methodology that utilises the new case definition. Previously published cases figures have now been retrospectively updated since 5 January 2022 to match the new established methodology.

Following changes in the Covid-19 Case definition and changing testing policies since 5 January 2022, hospital and ICU occupancy figures now include patients with Covid-19 cases confirmed by either PCR or LFD. Historical figures have been updated retrospectively from 9 January 2022.

Similarly, Covid-19 admissions to hospital (including for children and young people) now include patients with Covid-19 cases confirmed either by PCR or LFD. Historical figures have been updated retrospectively from 5 January 2022. Please note that admissions to ICU only include PCR confirmed Covid-19 cases.