On Saturday (19/8/2023) the Daily Record newspaper highlighted a GP’s concerns that Scotland was on the brink of another Covid crisis, due to rising infections and changes to testing for frontline NHS staff.

Asked about the story, which was based on a leaked email, Prof Leitch said: “There is upswing in cases. That’s absolutely true.”

“During June, July, August, hopefully into September, we do see quite a lot of variation but from a low level. But we are concerned about winter.”

“All viruses like these, like the flu, RSV in kids, Covid in all ages, get worse as the temperatures change.”

The national clinical director said he was expecting a “blip” which comes with the risk of increased hospitalisations and deaths.

SOURCE: BBC.CO.UK