The local covid-19 situation seems to be improving steadily now. Not out of the woods yet though.

Today there were 119 patients (141 last week) in NHS Grampian hospitals who have tested positive for covid-19. Two people are in intensive care (one last week).

NHS Grampian says: “Hospital admissions continue to decline, with 59 in the last seven days compared to 104 in the previous week and those being admitted FOR covid decreasing, with nine admissions in the last week versus 25 in the previous seven days. Consequently, covid occupancy overall has reduced by 16% from last week – although remaining high at 117, comparable with hospitalisation levels experienced during the January 2021 (Delta) wave.”

In Aberdeenshire:

• Six more deaths were recorded in the past week linked to covid-19. The cumulative toll is 313.

• DROPPING – 1289 cases were recorded in the past seven days. Previous weekly figures were: 1638, 2066, 2989, 3469, 4148, 3789, 2797, and 2357.

• 459 vaccinations were administered in the Shire last week.

• DOWN – The seven day positive rate per 100,000 is 628.1, according to Public Health Scotland. Previous weeks were 728.6, 1146.2, 1330.2, and 1590.6.

• FALLING – In the past seven days 32 cases were recorded in the Netherley / Fetteresso / Catterline area, 27 in the Banchory-Devenick / Findon area, 14 in Portlethen, and 16 in Newtonhill.