NHS probe 13 coronavirus cases linked to Aberdeen pub

All have mild symptoms but health board say more could be infected

Hawthorn Bar
Published 2nd Aug 2020
Last updated 2nd Aug 2020

NHS Grampian is investigating 13 detected cases of COVID-19 connected to an Aberdeen bar.

All those linked to the the Hawthorn bar who have tested positive to date are exhibiting only mild symptoms – but there could be more cases. The pub has been given the all-clear to stay open after a deep clean.

Dr Emmanuel Okpo, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, said: “Our Health Protection team are speaking to the confirmed cases, establishing who they have been in contact with, and providing further advice on isolation and testing as required.

“We are also carrying out wider contact tracing work, as part of the Test & Protect scheme. We cannot rule out the possibility of detecting further cases linked to this cluster.

“These cases highlight that COVID-19 still poses a real risk to all of us. We cannot emphasise enough the need for everyone to take all the necessary precautions to keep themselves and others safe. This means wearing a face covering when required, practising thorough hand hygiene, maintaining physical distancing, and avoiding crowded places.

“This last point is vitally important as restaurants and pubs are opening up. If you arrive at a venue and you feel it’s too busy to observe physical distancing, then consider leaving.

“We also need to take responsibility for our own behaviour, especially if consuming alcohol. We know drinking impacts on our decision making. The only way we can maintain our hard won progress in reducing the impact of COVID-19 is by working together.”