NHS chief warns of spreading Covid after video of Scottish football fans celebrating goes viral

NHS Grampian’s public health director has warned that the Coronavirus ‘does not rest’ much less take ‘90 minutes, extra time and penalties’ after a video of football fans celebrating in an Aberdeen pub went viral last night following Scotland’s Euro 2020 qualifying win.
By Hannah Brown
Published 13th Nov 2020, 12:02 BST
Scotland players celebrate their victory in the Euro 2020 playoff final soccer match between Serbia and Scotland, at the Rajko Mitic stadium in Belgrade, Serbia, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)Scotland players celebrate their victory in the Euro 2020 playoff final soccer match between Serbia and Scotland, at the Rajko Mitic stadium in Belgrade, Serbia, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Scotland players celebrate their victory in the Euro 2020 playoff final soccer match between Serbia and Scotland, at the Rajko Mitic stadium in Belgrade, Serbia, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

The scenes of football fans hugging and celebrating were filmed at the Draft Project's Beer Garden in Aberdeen as Scotland beat Serbia on penalties to qualify for next year's delayed Euro 2020 finals.

The video sparked outrage with MSP Kevin Stewart tweeting that it showed "clear breaches" of Covid regulations and the Scottish Hospitality Group trade body describing it as "nothing short of disgraceful.”

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Now, Susan Webb, Director of Public Health for NHS Grampian has made a statement warning of events such as this being a hotbed in the spread of Covid 19.

She said: "I am aware of footage being shared on social media, apparently shot in licensed premises in #Aberdeen during last night's Scotland match

"While I cannot comment on these specific circumstances, I can say this - this virus does not rest. It does not take a minute off, much less 90 minutes, extra time and penalties

“Letting our guard down gives it the opportunity to pass from person to person and, as too many families can confirm, it can have deadly consequences.

“I absolutely understand the desire to celebrate. Staff working across the NHS want to celebrate too. We want to return to normal. That can only happen if we all work together and keep sticking to the guidance."

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Related topics:NHSNHS GrampianAberdeenKevin Stewart