CORONAVIRUS has claimed another seven lives in East Renfrewshire, latest figures show.

According to data released today by the National Records of Scotland (NRS), the fatalities took place in the week from January 4-11 and bring the total death toll in East Renfrewshire since the pandemic began to 173.

The total covers all fatalities registered where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate and, as this includes suspected or probable cases, it differs from the lab-confirmed coronavirus deaths announced daily by the Scottish Government.

According to the NRS, coronavirus was responsible for more than a quarter of all deaths recorded in East Renfrewshire in the week beginning January 4.

Pete Whitehouse, NRS director of statistical services, said: “Each statistic represents the death of a loved one and heartbreak for families and friends.”