FMQs: Aberdeen lockdown to remain in place says Nicola Sturgeon

Nicola Sturgeon has said that the lockdown in Aberdeen will remain in place as cases are still “too high” for them to relaxed.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

The First Minister told MSPs today that 272 cases have been identified in Grampian since July 22, with 177 thought to be identified with the cluster linked to city pubs which brought about the lockdown.

“In general in the last few days we’ve seen a fall in the number of cases in Grampian,” Ms Sturgeon said at First Ministers Questions today.

"But despite this slight reduction, cases are still far higher than in any other part of the country and considerably higher than they were in Grampian before they started.

"Based on an assessment from the risk management team and the advice of the chief medical officer, the Scottish Government’s conclusion is that it is not possible to lift and of the restrictions that were put in place last week for Aberdeen.”

She added; “If you live in Aberdeen you should not go into someone else’s house. Pubs, restaurants and cafes must remain closed for now.

"And people who live in Aberdeen should not travel more than five miles unless they have to.”

The latest daily figures show an additional 47 cases inn Scotland yesterday, including 24 in Grampian.

There are 265 people in hospital, down by 4. There were no deaths registered for people who tested positive for the virus, meaning no fatalities for more than three weeks under this measure.

However, the latest weekly figures which include deaths where COVID was registered on the death certificate, without a test, recorded five fatalities. This is the lowest under this measure since the pandemic took off.

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