Local lockdown introduced in Aberdeen following outbreak of coronavirus cases linked to bars

A local lockdown has been announced in Aberdeen after an outbreak of coronavirus cases linked to local pubs.

NHS Grampian has reported 54 positive cases of COVID-19 associated with the Hawthorn Bar in Aberdeen, with 191 related contacts traced through Test and Protect.

Nearly 30 other bars and cafes as well as four golf clubs have also been linked to people who have tested positive for coronavirus.

Bars, restaurants, cafes and pubs were told to close from 5pm on Wednesday 5 August and people within the Aberdeen City Council local authority area are not allowed to meet other households indoors or travel more than five miles for leisure purposes.

Travel for work or education is still allowed, but only essential visits to hospitals and care homes are permitted.

The Scottish Government is advising people not to travel to Aberdeen while the restrictions are in place.

Anyone already in Aberdeen on holiday or a visit does not need to leave but must follow all the guidance while there and take extra care when returning home.

Hotel restaurants can remain open to provide food for guests and takeaways can continue to trade.

The restrictions will be reviewed every seven days.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “These decisions have not been taken lightly. 

“The fact that the outbreak is no longer simply associated with one location, combined with the accelerating increase in cases means we cannot rule out community transmission now being the case in Aberdeen.

“We are at a stage of this pandemic where extreme caution is still necessary.

“Acting now gives us the time and the space to protect the ability of our young people to return to full-time education.

“I would ask people who attended any of the locations named to be extra vigilant, to follow all guidance and to isolate and book a test if they have any symptoms. 

“And I want to emphasise, that getting a test – and even getting a negative result – is not a substitute for self-isolating.

“So if you have symptoms, or if you are contacted by our Test and Protect team and told to do so, you will need to self-isolate.”

Councillor Jenny Laing, co-leader of Aberdeen City Council, said: “It is unfortunate that just as we were returning to a degree normality this outbreak has happened, but the safety of our citizens remains our first priority. 

“We must continue to adhere to the Scottish Government’s guidance to ensure the safety of everyone.

“Aberdeen City Council will continue to work in partnership with Scottish Government, 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.” 

Bars, cafes and golf clubs named as linked to the outbreak:

• The Bieldside Inn
• Bobbin
• Brewdog, Castlegate
• Buckie Farm Carvery
• Cafe Andaluz
• Cafe Dag
• Cafe Drummond
• The Cock & Bull
• College Bar
• The Daft Project
• Dutch Mill
• Dyce Farm
• East End Social Club
• Ferryhill House Hotel
• Hawthorn/Adam Lounge
• The Howff
• The Justice Mill
• The Marine Hotel
• McGinty's
• McNastys
• Malmaison
• Moonfish Cafe
• No. 10 Bar
• O'Donoghues
• Old Bank Bar
• Prohibition
• Soul
• Spiders Wed

• Banks O'Dee Football Club.
• Aboyne Golf Club
• Deeside Golf Club
• Hazelhead Golf Club