Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire move to LEVEL 3 of Covid restrictions

The First Minister confirmed the move in Holyrood in the past few minutes. It comes into place as of Friday.

Author: Lewis MichiePublished 15th Dec 2020
Last updated 15th Dec 2020

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire will be moving to level 3 of Covid restrictions.

This means no alcohol can be sold in hospitality venues, no non-essential travel outside the area and a ban on outdoor team sports - like 5-a-side football, and other 'amateur' sports.

86 cases of the virus were reported in the NHS Grampian health board area today.

The First Minister told The Scottish Parliament:

“These measures are essential to get the virus under control.”

"In the last week alone case numbers in Aberdeen city have increased by more than 50% from 76 cases per 100k to 122. Case positivity has also increased from 3.9% to 6.1%."

"The increase in Aberdeenshire has not been as sharp as in the city but cases still rising."

Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Douglas Lumsden told Northsound:

"I really feel for everyone connected with the hospitality and retail industry, this is going to have a real impact."

"It's really disappointing news, but I can understand the change in level."

We've seen our case numbers rise day-on-day and the positivity rate as well."

"Everyone of us have to do our bit to try and make sure we control this virus, and stick to the rules that are laid down."

Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “We are very disappointed that Aberdeen has been moved to Level 3, but respect the decision that has been made. This will be difficult news for businesses across the city centre, as we are in the busy festive period when many had hoped to recoup some of the losses from restrictions throughout the year.

“Whilst there are now further restrictions, we still have a full and impressive retail offering complemented by daytime hospitality which offers so much at this important time of year.

“Of course, we are bitterly disappointed that much of our evening and night time economy will effectively be closed down, with the adverse ramifications that come with this level move. The hospitality industry has done so much to innovate as well as making it a safe and welcoming experience and unless there is a shift next week, an even harder few months lie ahead.”

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