Lockdown restrictions reimposed in Aberdeen as coronavirus cluster grows
Last updated 5th Aug 2020
Bars, restaurants and cafes have been ordered to close as lockdown restrictions are reimposed in Aberdeen over a coronavirus cluster in the area.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said 54 cases have now been reported in the outbreak.
A five-mile travel rule has been put in place and residents are being told not to enter each other's houses.
All indoor and outdoor hospitality venues have been told to close by 5pm on Wednesday.
The measures, which apply to the Aberdeen City area, will be backed by government regulations, the First Minister said, and will be enforced if the rules are not followed.
The First Minister said people should not travel to Aberdeen, but those who are already there can remain.
She added the changes will be reviewed next Wednesday, when she hopes they could be removed, either in entirety or in part.
Ms Sturgeon said they could be extended beyond that seven-day period if necessary.
Speaking at the coronavirus briefing in Edinburgh on Wednesday, she said the rise in cases has contributed to a "greater fear there has been a significant outbreak'' in the city.
According to the First Minister, more than 20 other pubs and restaurants are involved in the cluster.
Across Scotland, Ms Sturgeon said 18,781 people have tested positive for the virus, up by 64 from 18,717 the day before.
"The last thing we want to do is to reimpose these restrictions but this outbreak is reminding us just how highly infectious Covid is,'' Ms Sturgeon said.
"Our precautionary and careful judgment is that we need to take decisive action now, difficult as that undoubtedly is, in order to try to contain this outbreak and prevent further harm later on.
"As I said earlier, this is about doing all we can to ensure our children can return to schools next week.''
She added: "Acting now, we judge, gives us the time and the space to protect the ability of our young people to return to education.''
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