Coronavirus: Death rate in Scotland returns to normal levels

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The total number of people who are dying in Scotland has returned to normal levels, according to official figures.

The National Records of Scotland (NRS) said a total of 1,006 people died between 22 and 28 June.

This was actually slightly lower than the average of 1,026 deaths recorded in the same week over the past five years.

The figures reflect the continuing fall in the number of coronavirus deaths in Scotland.

There were 35 deaths linked to the virus last week - the lowest number since the middle of March.

This was a decrease of 14 on the previous week, and means the country's coronavirus death rate has now fallen for nine weeks in a row.

Deaths linked to coronavirus accounted for just 3% of all deaths registered during the week. The figure was 36% at the height of the pandemic.

It is the first time since the start of the pandemic that the total number of deaths from all causes was below Scotland's five-year average for the time of year.

However, the figures also showed that 2,417 more people have died at home in Scotland during the pandemic than would have been expected based on the average of the past five years

The total number of deaths where coronavirus is known or suspected to have been a factor now stands at 4,155.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the weekly statistics showed the "real and sustained progress" the country is making in tackling the virus.

But she stressed that the numbers still "speak of heartbreak for many of our fellow citizens".

Ms Sturgeon also said a fresh "cluster" of cases in the Dumfries and Galloway area was a "sharp reminder" that the virus is still a threat.

The first minister has previously said Scotland was "not far away" from eliminating coronavirus.

But she has warned people not to let their guard down and become complacent as the country begins to open up again, and has said "unpopular decision" could still need to be taken to prevent a resurgence.

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