News

From Thursday 13 January, PHS will begin reporting on the number of people with a COVID-19 infection confirmed by either a PCR or first LFD positive test reflecting recent changes to the COVID-19 testing strategy.

Today, PHS has published its first Annual Report and Accounts. Since opening on 1 April 2020, PHS has played a significant part in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and addressing public health priorities in strong partnership with many organisations across Scotland.

Data released today by Public Health Scotland shows that between 2019/20 and 2020/21 there has been a marked increase in the overall proportion of Primary 1 children who are at risk of overweight or obesity.

This final report on the impact of COP26 on COVID-19 infections in Scotland expands on the preliminary report published on 16 November 2021 and also covers the period after the COP26 summit ended.

On Human Rights Day (10 December) Public Health Scotland reinforces its commitment to tackle both Gender Based Violence and the gender inequality that sits alongside.

Given the number of COVID-19 outbreaks that are being linked to Christmas parties, particularly those caused by Omicron, Public Health Scotland is urging people to defer such parties at this time.

The new look PHS COVID-19 and Winter Weekly Report has published for the first time today. Each Wednesday, the refocused report will support the reader in drawing insights from a wider range of existing metrics around COVID-19 and winter pressures.

PHS has launched a new online public health learning hub to help those working in our public services play their part in improving the health and wellbeing of more people in Scotland.

Scotland's whole genome sequencing service has been integral in detecting and monitoring COVID-19 variants, such as Omicron, and supporting the response to the pandemic. The service can now process 2,000 samples per week - more than ever before.

A PHS study has found that children with poorly controlled asthma are three to six times more likely to be hospitalised with COVID-19 than those without the condition - leading to calls for them to be prioritised for vaccination.