Coronavirus in Scotland: Total deaths rise by a third between April and June

Covid-19 was the underlying cause in 3,739 deaths in during three-month period, accounting for 83% of 4,515 excess deaths compared to the five year average.

The total number of deaths in Scotland rose by a third between April and June 2020.

That’s according to new figures released on Wednesday by National Records of Scotland (NRS), who said 18,201 deaths had been registered – 4,515 more than the five-year average.

Covid-19 was the underlying cause in 3,739 deaths during period, accounting for 83% of the 4,515 excess deaths when compared to the five year average.

Total deaths in Scotland rise by a third between April and June.

The latest figures compared with the five year average show:

- Deaths from cancer increased by 1.5%

- Deaths from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease increased by 24.5%

- Deaths from coronary heart disease decreased by 1.8%

- Deaths from respiratory diseases decreased by 20.6%

- Deaths from cerebrovascular disease increased by 5.3%

- Deaths from diseases of the genitourinary system increased by 22.5%

- Deaths from diabetes increased by 26.2%

- Deaths from transport accidents decreased by 69.1%

Julie Ramsay, Vital Events Statistician, 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.”

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