Outbreak of COVID-19 leads to localised restrictions in Aberdeen City
05 August 2020
The Scottish Government’s announced today (Wednesday 05 August) that following an outbreak of COVID-19 in Aberdeen City, the area will have localised restrictions put in place.
Bars, restaurants, cafes and pubs have been required by law to close. Hotel restaurants can remain open to provide food for existing guests, and takeaway services can continue.
People in Aberdeen City are asked not to meet other households indoors or travel more than 5 miles for leisure or recreational purposes. People can continue to travel for work, or education purposes.
Visiting in hospitals and care homes will return to essential visits only.
Further details can be found here.
The current restrictions will be reviewed in seven days by the Scottish Government in discussion with local partners, including the Council, NHS Grampian and Police Scotland. The Scottish Government has not ruled out extending restrictions if necessary to protect public health.
The Council is awaiting further guidance and will be providing updates in due course (see below).
Licensing applications will still be processed but no on-sales licences will be issued until the restriction has been lifted by the Scottish Government.
The Education Service continues to prepare for the re-opening of school buildings next week. The risk assessment process and national guidance has helped staff teams put in place a range of measures to support a safe return for children, young people and staff, with orientation visits next week.
Waste collection services are currently unaffected and recycling centres remain open. Aberdeen Crematorium remains open and continues to operate within the current guidelines as issued by the Scottish Government.
Councillor Jenny Laing, Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council said: “It is unfortunate that just as we were returning to normality that this has happened, but the safety of our citizens is our first priority. We must adhere to the Scottish Government’s guidance to ensure the safety of everyone.
“Aberdeen City Council will continue to work with partner organisations including NHS Grampian and Police Scotland to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 in the city and surrounding areas.”
Councillor Douglas Lumsden, Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council said: “It is essential that we adhere to the Scottish Government’s guidance in order that we can control the coronavirus as best we can. It will be challenging for many as we were beginning to enjoy the easing of the lockdown however public safety is paramount.
“We appreciate the enormous efforts made by everyone to adhere to the lockdown measures previously in place and would remind them that together we can get through this.”
NHS Grampian has today reported 54 positive cases of COVID-19 in the cluster associated with Aberdeen. Investigations are ongoing. Officers from Protective Services (Environmental Health) are also contacting establishments affected by the restrictions announced today.
Dr Emmanuel Okpo, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, NHS Grampian, said: "Our health protection and Test & Protect teams are working extremely hard to speak to all the detected cases and identify their close contacts. We are also working closely with our local partners and are grateful for their support.
“My message to everyone is one of vigilance and if you are suffering from symptoms of COVID-19, however mild, please arrange a test."
Read the latest updates on the Council's response to the restrictions, including what to do if you have concerns that a business is breaching Covid regulations.