Update on enhancements to COVID-19 reporting

From 10 February 2022, Public Health Scotland’s (PHS) COVID-19 Daily Dashboard will be refreshed to utilise the new case definition of those who have recorded a first positive PCR or an LFD (lateral flow device).

Combined positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and later flow device (LFD) figures have been presented separately on the dashboard since 13 January 2022 under the caveat of experimental statistics*, following the revised Scottish Government testing strategy that was implemented on 5 January 2022.

This revised testing strategy recognises a positive LFD result as proof of infection, with people no longer requiring to take a PCR test to confirm the positive result.

The change means that daily figures regarding cases, hospitalisations and deaths will be updated to reflect the case definition of those who have recorded a first positive PCR or LFD (since 5 January 2022). As a result, these figures will be re-calibrated over the full reporting period.

Reporting continues to reflect a snapshot in time. The source data are dynamic, and additional test results received will be reflected in future calculations of cases. This means figures reported on a daily basis may see small changes retrospectively.

PHS continues to seek to provide the most accurate information available to best support the response to the pandemic.

For more detailed information about PHS's role in producing statistics to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak, please contact: PHS.Covid19Data&Analytics@phs.scot

PHS is encouraging everyone to report their LFD test data so that an accurate report of testing that is ongoing in the population can be captured.

More information on the new testing strategy is available on the Scottish Government’s website (external website).

*official statistics that are published in order to involve users and stakeholders in their development and as a means to build in quality at an early stage.