Nicola Sturgeon: 'I understand how tough this is' as cases rise in Aberdeen outbreak

A total of 66 cases were registered in Scotland yesterday with 39 within NHS Grampian

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon gave an update on the situation in Aberdeen at her briefing today

Nicola Sturgeon said she understands that the lockdown in Aberdeen is a “real blow for the city” as she gave an update on the situation on the ongoing outbreak.

The First Minister confirmed a total of 66 new cases were registered in Scotland yesterday with 39 in NHS Grampian, with a total of 275 people contacted through the Scottish Government’s test and protect system.

Warning of the likelihood of cases continuing to rise in Aberdeen connected to the outbreak, Ms Sturgeon thanked businesses and the public for following the newly imposed rules.

She said: “I want to thank everyone in Aberdeen for being so understanding of why this action is necessary, and it is necessary and for sticking as I am absolutely confident that you will to this new guidance.

"I know how tough this is. I know this is a real blow to the city and all of us regret that we have to take this decision. But I do believe people understand why it is necessary.

"There are just too many uncertainties about this outbreak right now so we are not yet confident that we can keep it under control without these additional measures.”

The First Minister reiterated her plea to people to follow the FACTS campaign and said it was “not an option” to allow the virus to run free.

She said: “Allowing this virus to run free is in my view just not an option. It is not an option at any time in my view given how dangerous we know this virus can be but particularly as we prepare for the reopening of schools from next week.

"We are therefore taking a precautionary approach. For the moment, unfortunately that means one part of the country has had to go into reverse but ultimately we hope that this precautionary action will allow all of Scotland to continue the progress that we have achieved over the last few months.”

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