An update just in from NHS Grampian about covid-19 and the flu jags. Firstly covid. By the way, the Scottish Government concludes the next review of restrictions on 16 November.

• Cases are beginning to rise slowly across Scotland – this was expected given the relaxation of restrictions and more indoor mixing particularly in colder weather.

• The rise nationally is apparent in young people aged between 5-11 and there are signs that cases are slowing down in over 80s.

• The impact on hospital occupancy continues to be high across Scotland, despite a small reduction in admissions.

• Infection rates in Grampian have increased slightly in recent days and the picture across local authority areas is mixed, with school age cases affecting Moray and Aberdeen.

• Moray in particular has seen a steep rise in cases in the past week, driven by 4-12 year olds and adults between 30-49 years.

• Hospital occupancy for Moray residents is the highest it has been since the pandemic began.

• Booster vaccination is progressing very well across Grampian – 80% of over 70s are fully jagged.

And the winter vaccination campaign, also known as flu jags:

• Good progress in rolling out the winter vaccination programme. Almost 174,000 flu vaccinations have been done in Grampian, including 27,000 in the last seven days.

• We are nearing the completion of the 70s+ population where over 80% have had their booster (up from 71% last week). 43% of 65-69 year olds and 27% of 60-64 year olds have also now had the booster jag. The portal for the 50-59 years cohort, unpaid carers and household contacts of immunosuppressed patients opens w/c 15 November when individuals will be able to choose their own appointment and location.