Coronavirus (COVID-19): state of the epidemic - 18 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 11 March 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 March 2022.

Notice on Potential Change to Publication Schedule

UKHSA is considering a change in the frequency that Covid-19 modelling estimates are published to every two weeks, from 1 April 2022. As a consequence, the Modelling the Epidemic publication would move to publishing every two weeks from 1 April 2022. To align with the Modelling the Epidemic report, the State of the Epidemic report would also move to publishing every two weeks.

Users are encouraged to provide comments and feedback on the reduction in frequency of the State of the Epidemic report. Please contact us at sgcentralanalysisdivision@gov.scot.

Notice on Technical Issues with Data

Please note that Public Health Scotland experienced technical issues from 12 to 14 March, meaning that no cases could be reported on these dates and were instead added to case numbers by reporting date on 15 March. Cases by specimen date were updated retrospectively. A reoccurrence of the technical issue from earlier in the week means data reported on 16 March was incomplete as it had not been received since 6 PM on 15 March 2022. This affects cases by both specimen and reporting date, testing, and admissions to hospital and ICU.