Aberdeen Covid cluster grows after more cases linked to city pubs

Aberdeen remains under lockdown during the ongoing coronavirus cluster in the city. PIC: SNS Group.

The figure has risen by 18 cases in the past 24 hours.

NHS Grampian said the rise was due to previously detected cases now being linked to the hospitality trade in Aberdeen.

The number of close contacts identified is now 1281.

Eight new cases have been detected in the wider NHS Grampian area.

Brian Wilson: Don’t let SNP dodge key questions on Covid

A spokeswoman for the health board said: “Investigations into the particular circumstances of these cases are ongoing; it is possible they may be included in the Aberdeen cluster following these investigations.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon extended the lockdown of the city last Thursday with hopes some restrictions could be eased next Wednesday.

She said the restrictions were having an impact – but that it was “not yet safe" to lift them.

Aberdeen City Council said it did not support continuing the lockdown given the impact on the city economy.

A message from the Editor:Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.Subscribe to scotsman.com and enjoy unlimited access to Scottish news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptionsand content. Visit https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy Yates

Editorial Director