West Dunbartonshire has recorded the lowest number of suspected coronavirus deaths in one week since the start of 2021.

The latest National Records of Scotland (NRS) report says there were three deaths registered in West Dunbartonshire which mentioned Covid-19 on the death certificate in the week between January 25 and 31.

It's the lowest weekly figure since two deaths were recorded in the week from December 21.

The latest figure brings the death toll in the region to 205 since the start of the pandemic.

Glasgow had the highest number of Covid-19 deaths in the week from January 25-31, with 67, while in Edinburgh and North Lanarkshire there were 40.

The NRS death total is different from the count of deaths published daily by the Scottish Government because the latter is based on deaths of those who have tested positive for Covid-19.

The figures from NRS include all deaths where coronavirus (including suspected cases) was mentioned on the person’s death certificate.

The news follows Nicola Sturgeon's announcement yesterday (February 2) that Scotland's tough lockdown conditions will remain in place until the beginning of March.

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Updating MSPs in Holyrood, the First Minister said progress had been made in the fight against the virus as a result of compliance with lockdown restrictions.

Ms Sturgeon said: “Pressure on our NHS continues to be severe. The number of Covid patients being treated in hospital remains around 30 per cent above the high point of the first wave last April.

“However, hospital admissions in this wave appear to have peaked on January 12.

“They have now stabilised and are starting to reduce, albeit slowly.”

Ms Sturgeon said “continued caution” was needed.

The First Minister continued: “If our progress continues, then I am cautiously optimistic that, as more and more people get vaccinated and with the protection of some of the additional measures that I will cover shortly, we may be able to begin looking towards a careful and gradual easing around the start of March.”

An update on possible easing will be given in two weeks, Ms Sturgeon said.

The First Minister also confirmed that some pupils will return to Scottish schools from Monday, February 22, and that subject to confirmation on February 16, all children under school age in early learning and childcare will return.

Pupils in Primary 1 to Primary 3 will also be allowed back into school, as will those in the senior phase of secondary school.

However, the First Minister said older pupils will only be able to return to ensure practical work important to achieving qualifications is completed, and only between 5 per cent and 8 per cent of any school’s roll should be able to return.

Ms Sturgeon said those plans "are subject to continued progress in suppressing the virus, and will be subject to final confirmation in two weeks’ time".

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