Aberdeen lockdown restrictions extended

The first minister has confirmed that lockdown measures in Aberdeen are being extended.

Nicola Sturgeon says the rules will be reviewed again in a week's time.

She says the number of new coronavirus cases they are seeing is still too high for the to relax the restrictions.

But she has confirmed the measures will not be extended to Aberdeenshire at this time.

A spokesperson for NHS Grampian said: "We can confirm the number of detected cases of Covid-19, associated with the Aberdeen cluster, now stands at 177.

"We have, to date, identified 940 close contacts. Contacts can be entered into our system multiple times, as they are identified by detected cases as part of a household or group. Therefore, the number of close contacts does not represent 940 unique individuals.

"Twenty four new cases have been detected in Grampian - it is not known how many of these may be associated with the city cluster.

"There are no hospital admissions related to the detected cases to date."

Councillor Jenny Laing, co-leader of Aberdeen City Council, said: "I would like to thank our citizens and local businesses for their continued resilience during these challenging times. 

"I am sure that I am not alone in being disappointed to learn that the existing local restrictions currently in place will now be extended for a longer period of time. 

"Aberdeen City Council continues to work with partner organisations, including NHS Grampian, so we can take the appropriate measures to limit the potential spread of  Covid-19."

Councillor Douglas Lumsden, her fellow co-leader, said: "We appreciate the huge efforts being made by everyone in Aberdeen in response to the restrictions. 

"Now that the period has been extended, we must remain focused and adhere to the latest Scottish Government guidance as public safety remains paramount. 

"All of us must adhere to the Scottish Government’s guidance to ensure the safety of everyone."