Deaths in Scotland rise by a third during coronavirus pandemic – The National

THE totalnumber of deaths in Scotland soared by a third between April and June, new figures reveal.

The National Records of Scotland (NRS) statistics showed 18,201 people died during the period, 4515 more than the five-year average.

Covid-19 was the underlying cause in 3,739 of them, accounting for 83% of the excess deaths.

There were also increases in deaths with cancer (1.5%), dementia and Alzheimer's disease (24.5%), cerebrovascular disease (5.3%), diseases of the genitourinary system (22.5%) and diabetes (26.2%).

Deaths from transport accidents fell by 69.1%, respiratory diseases by 20.6% and coronary heart disease by 1.8%.

While there were only 1145 births recorded in the quarter, NRS said the number is artificially low as registration offices were closed during the pandemic lockdown.

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The lockdown measures also resulted in a significant drop in weddings.

Only 117 marriages took place, compared with an average of 7,938 second quarter marriages for the previous five years.

There were five same-sex marriages, compared with an average of 286, and one civil partnership, down from an average of 16.

NRS vital events statistician Julie Ramsay said: "The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the number of deaths we normally see at this time of year, and the overall death rate is a third higher than the five year average.

"Covid-19 has also impacted the number of marriages, from April to June only 117 marriages took place, a stark contrast to the five year average of 7,938.

"Similarly only 1,145 births were recorded, as this period coincided with a postponement of the registration of births.

"We are likely to see a large increase in the number of birth registrations in the next quarter."

The statistics are published in the NRS Births, Deaths and Other Vital Events - Quarterly Figures report.

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Deaths in Scotland rise by a third during coronavirus pandemic - The National