Local lockdown restrictions imposed in Aberdeen

The Scottish Government has reimposed a series of lockdown restrictions on Aberdeen.

It follows a spike in coronavirus cases linked to a number of hospitality firms in the north-east.

There are now 54 cases associated with a cluster in Aberdeen, with more than 20 licensed premises now connected to the outbreak.

People can no longer travel further than five miles again for leisure or recreation, and people are being advised against travel to Aberdeen.

Residents are also no longer allowed in each other's houses, except extended households involving one other person living on their own.

All indoor and outdoor hospitality venues have to close by 5pm today.

The restrictions will be reviewed in a week's time.

It is the first major localised lockdown imposed since restrictions started to ease.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “These decisions have not been taken lightly. 

“The fact that the outbreak is no longer simply associated with one location, combined with the accelerating increase in cases means we cannot rule out community transmission now being the case in Aberdeen.

“We are at a stage of this pandemic where extreme caution is still necessary. Acting now gives us the time and the space to protect the ability of our young people to return to full time education.

“I would ask people who attended any of the locations named to be extra vigilant, to follow all guidance and to isolate and book a test if they have any symptoms. 

“And I want to emphasise, that getting a test – and even getting a negative result – is not a substitute for self-isolating. So if you have symptoms, or if you are contacted by our Test and Protect team and told to do so, you will need to self-isolate.”