An interesting briefing for Aberdeenshire councillors just now from NHS Grampian about the coronavirus pandemic. In summary, the outlook is good but still a long way to go.

The peak of cases in early January has thankfully subsided, though we are not yet back to the levels of last summer.

To date 140,058 people have been vaccinated in Grampian, with the focus now on the 65 to 69-year-olds. Some 58% of that group have had their jag, and in older age groups the percentage of people vaccinated is in the nineties. In Aberdeenshire more than 57,000 residents have been vaccinated, approximately 26% of the over 16 years population. 

Invitation letters are being prepared as the programme moves on to 16 to 64-year-olds with underlying health conditions. Vaccinations will begin on Wednesday (24 February).

Second doses are being administered to care home residents. The vaccination programme is expected to slow down though as manufacturing catches up with demand.