Why does Scotland have the highest Covid infection rates in Europe?

Jul 5, 2021

Ginny Sanderson

Engagement reporter

Good afternoon,

Welcome to a coronavirus update from The Scotsman.

Scotland has become Europe's 'Covid capital', with the most areas with the highest infection rates on the continent.

Half of Europe's top 10 coronavirus hotspots are in Scotland, according to the World Health Organisation.

Our health correspondent Elsa Maishman has broken down the factors behind these concerning figures.

More Covid news today

Get unlimited access to all our stories and see 70% fewer ads when you subscribe.

From just £3 a month, see a faster website and support our journalism.

Thank you for reading, more stories below.

Ginny - [email protected]


	Covid: Why does Scotland have the highest infection rates in Europe?

	Scotland has become Europe’s ‘Covid capital’, with five in ten of the areas with highest infection rates on the continent.

Scotland has recorded 2,372 Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours but no further deaths

Scotland has recorded 2,372 Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours – but no deaths of coronavirus patients.

Air fryers UK 2021: best ones for sale at Argos, Currys and Philips - and are they a healthier way to fry?

Frying tonight? An air fryer healthy mini oven can do so much more than crisp your chips

Promoted by Local Buys

Jason Leitch has said wearing face masks is a 'selfless act' that should stay in place in Scotland

The National Clinical Director, Jason Leitch, has said that the clinical advice he will offer the Scottish Government will include the continued use of face masks, as well as encouraging people to meet outdoors and regularly wash their hands.

Boris Johnson to make latest Covid announcement on ending lockdown later today

Here’s when Boris Johnson will be holding his latest Covid press conference – and what he’s expected to say.

Here is a full list of every coronavirus vaccine drop-in centre in mainland Scotland

New drop-in vaccination centres are opening today across Scotland in a bid to push the programme and protect the rest of the country against the coronavirus.

The Duchess of Cambridge is isolating after coming into contact with coronavirus patient

The Duchess of Cambridge is having to self-isolate after coming into contact with someone who later tested positive for coronavirus, Kensington Palace said.

Covid Scotland: Demands for Scottish Parliament recall as virus 'out of control'

Scottish Labour has demanded a recall of parliament and for the gap between vaccinations to be halved as the pandemic spins “out of control”.

Covid Scotland: What will life beyond level zero look like?

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said she is “hopeful” Scotland will be able to ease restrictions as planned this summer, despite record high numbers of cases in recent days.



	View more news