Coronavirus in Scotland: 87 cases confirmed at Aberdeenshire meat plant as area set to move to level 3
The number of confirmed cases at the Kepak McIntosh Donald plant in Portlethen was confirmed by NHS Grampian after more than 280 staff members were tested.
A spokesperson for NHS Grampian said: “The number of detected cases of COVID-19 associated with the Kepak McIntosh Donald plant in Portlethen is 87, out of more than 280 staff members tested. Everyone with a detected result has been interviewed and contact tracing completed.
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Hide Ad“The very high level of support and cooperation we have had from the plant operators and all employees has been vital in conducting our investigation. We want to thank them for this and their willingness to act on all recommendations of the incident management team.
“Covid-19 continues to circulate widely in the community. We should all continue to observe the FACTS guidance and follow the local restrictions in place.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is set to announce any changes in restriction levels around Scotland on Tuesday afternoon.
It is understood that public health officials have recommended that Aberdeenshire move from level two to level three after a marked increase in cases across the NHS Grampian health board region.
The move would see a ban on the sale of alcohol both indoors and outdoors, and stricter rules on when pubs and restaurants can open.
Scotland’s Covid-19 alert levels are reviewed every Tuesday morning by the Cabinet, before First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announces the results in an address to the Scottish Parliament.
Douglas Lumsden, co-leader of Aberdeen City Council, told BBC Scotland that Deputy First Minister John Swinney informed him that both Aberdeen city and Aberdeenshire could be moved to Level Three.
He said a move to Level Three would be "devastating" for businesses in the region.