Deputy First Minister John Swinney has warned people in Tayside not to get complacent after latest figures published by the National Records of Scotland showed the first weekly drop in virus-related deaths.
The Perthshire North MSP is encouraging people to “redouble their efforts” rather than start relaxing.
Across the NHS Tayside area in the last seven days, a total of 34 people died with Covid-19 listed on their death certificate – a drop from 59 the week before.
NHS Fife confirmed 25 deaths this week, down from last week’s total of 33.
It is the first time the number of weekly virus-related deaths has decreased in both areas.
The most significant drops were in Angus – which reported a fall from 19 to seven – and Perth and Kinross where the weekly total dropped by eight to five.
Dundee City recorded a decline from 27 to 22, while Fife’s total was 33, compared to 25 the week before.
Politicians say the latest figures show restrictions are working, but have urged locals not to change out of their routine just yet.
Mr Swinney, MSP for Perthshire North said: “Whilst these figures are encouraging, it is vital that we do not become complacent.
“Now is the time to redouble our efforts, rather than ease off in our attempts to overcome Covid-19.”
He said: “This is further proof that lockdown is working, and we must all continue to show the same levels of diligence and adherence going forward in order to ensure that the progress we are making is not unnecessarily squandered.”
Tory MSP Liz Smith, who represents Mid-Scotland and Fife, added: “The fact that the number of deaths from Covid-19 has come down in Perth and Kinross has to be welcomed.
“This shows that people are adhering to the lockdown advice by staying at home and saving lives.”
She added: “It is a positive sign but residents still need to be very self-disciplined in observing the rules as there is a long way to go yet.”
Pete Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthshire, said: “It is reassuring to see that there has been a drop in Covid-19 related deaths in Perth and Kinross and the wider Tayside region in the latest published data, but we should not read too much into this just yet.”
He added: “I know how difficult this is for people, especially those who are vulnerable, but it is imperative that we keep doing what the experts are asking of us. If we allow ourselves to get lured into believing we have already beaten the virus, then we will inevitably face a second peak, which could be even worse than the first.”
The NRS figures show there have been a total of 43 Covid-related deaths in Perth and Kinross, 49 in Angus, 107 in Dundee and 143 in Fife.
