HEALTH Secretary Humza Yousaf has spoken of the “huge toll” the pandemic has taken as the number of positive Covid cases recorded in Scotland passed one million.
Some 11,000 further cases were reported on January 6, pushing the total number of cases confirmed since the start of the pandemic above the grim milestone.
The latest data shows Scotland has recorded 1,010,660 cases since the beginning of the pandemic.
A total of 4,043,923 people in Scotland - the vast majority of the population - have been tested at least once.
READ MORE: John Swinney reported to statistics authority over Covid data row
The official number of deaths from Covid-19 is approaching 10,000. Scotland recorded 18 further deaths on January 6, bringing the total number of people who have died within 28 days of testing positive for the virus to 9890.
National Records of Scotland figures show that 12,372 deaths have been registered in the with the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) mentioned on the death certificate, as of December 19. The next NRS update is due on January 7.
Commenting, Yousaf said: “The past two years have undoubtedly been some of the toughest this country has faced in peacetime and as we hit the one millionth confirmed Covid-19 case in Scotland, it is important to acknowledge the huge toll the pandemic has had on us all.
“We have all been affected by the Covid crisis in some way or another and my thoughts remain with everyone who has lost a loved one.
“The immense pressure the virus has also put on our NHS cannot be understated and I’d like to thank every single person across our health and social care sectors who have worked so hard to look after us.
“As we continue to navigate our way through the pandemic, all of us can play a part in helping to keep everyone safe by getting vaccinated. I would urge anyone who is eligible to get their vaccines and boosters as soon as possible, it really could save your life.”
Gregor Smith, Scotland’s chief medical officer who received a knighthood in the New Year Honours, added: “As we reach the milestone of one million Cpvid-19 case in Scotland I’d like to take the opportunity to thank the incredible health and care professionals across Scotland who have been at the forefront of the response to this pandemic.
“Their tireless work and dedication in the most difficult of circumstances has been truly inspiring.”
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