A HOSPITAL patient with coronavirus died in the Borders last week, according to the latest statistics.

It was the first virus-related death in a Borders hospital for three weeks.

The latest National Records of Scotland (NRS) data, published on Wednesday (July 8), shows a total of 73 virus-related deaths in the Borders up to July 5. Hospitals account for 54 of the fatalities.

The last time an NRS update showed a new virus-linked hospital death in the Borders was June 17, with that update reflecting deaths up to June 14.

This week’s statistics state that Scotland had recorded 4,173 virus-related deaths during the pandemic up to July 5. The toll represents a rise of 18 on the previous week's figure (4,155).

On Wednesday, when the new figures were published, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the country has achieved its 10th consecutive week in which the number of deaths has fallen.

She said: “Overall, these weekly statistics confirm what our daily data has also been telling us - Scotland has made real and sustained progress against this virus.

“However the numbers also speak of heartbreak for too many people.

“We can take comfort in the trend of recent weeks, but every single death is a tragedy.

“I want to send my condolences to everyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one.

“I also want, as I always do, to thank our health and care workers, and indeed all of our key workers who have been so magnificent throughout in this crisis.”