The number of deaths from Covid-19 has dropped to 12% of all deaths – the lowest weekly total since late March.
Figures released by the National Records of Scotland (NRS) show that as of May 31, there were 3,911 deaths registered in Scotland where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, up 99 from the previous week up to May 24.
There have now been more deaths related to Covid-19 in care homes than hospitals in Scotland, according to the data.
Deaths involving Covid-19 as a proportion of all deaths has now fallen to 12% in the week up to May 31, having reached a high of 36% in the week of April 20.
This is the fifth weekly reduction in a row of deaths involving Covid-19 and the lowest weekly total since late March.
More than half of all registered deaths involving Covid-19 in the week of May 31 occurred in care homes, down from a peak of 60% in the week of May 3.
Newly-provided data up to an earlier date of May 11 shows of a total of 1,777 total Covid deaths in care home residents, with 154 recorded in hospital (8.7%).
The number of deaths in care homes fell for a fifth week in a row, down by 56 from last week to 68 and an overall total as of May 31 of 1,818.
This means there have now been more deaths in care homes than in hospitals since the pandemic began, with 1,818 recorded in care homes and 1,815 in hospitals.
A further 13 people have died in the north and north-east in the past week as a result of Covid-19.
A regional breakdown of the figures shows there have been 240 deaths in Grampian (an increase of nine in the past week) and 111 in the Highlands (an increase of four) since the pandemic began.
There have been no further deaths recorded in the islands that mentioned Covid-19, with two deaths in Orkney and seven in Shetland recorded since the pandemic began.
Across Tayside and Fife, 478 deaths have been recorded from Covid-19 since the pandemic began, with 21 deaths recorded in the last week.
A total of 289 deaths have been recorded in Tayside and 189 across Fife.
Speaking during First Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Nicola Sturgeon said the figures were “far higher” than anyone would wish.
She added: “These numbers do provide further grounds for optimism.
“The weekly number of Covid-19 deaths has now fallen for five weeks in a row.
“They are now at one fifth of their peak level, excess deaths are one eighth of their peak level and deaths in care homes are also now falling week on week.
“The figures, in my view, reinforce the decision we took last week to ease some lockdown restrictions but to do so very slowly and carefully.
“The progress we have made is obvious but it is still fragile it could very easily be reversed.
“That’s why it is still important that all of us stick to the current guidance, people should still be staying home most of the time and meeting fewer people than normal.
“Life should not feel entirely normal at present.”
The progress we have made is obvious but it is still fragile it could very easily be reversed.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, said: “Every death from this virus is a tragedy.
“These statistics, alongside the other important evidence being made available by the Scottish Government and Health Protection Scotland (HPS), are valuable to the understanding of the progress and impact of the Covid-19 virus across Scotland.
“Across Scotland the number of Covid-19-related deaths registered in the week ending May 31 was 131 – the lowest weekly total since late March.
“Our aim is to ensure that our statistical publication provides information that is as useful as possible and adds value to the understanding of how the virus is spreading throughout the country.
“We will continue to review and develop these statistics as new information is made available.”
