Investigation as 13 cases of coronavirus linked to Aberdeen bar

An investigation is under way into 13 cases of coronavirus linked to an Aberdeen bar.

All of those who tested positive after visiting The Hawthorn Bar on Holburn Street are only showing mild symptoms, and officials at NHS Grampian are working with environmental health to establish the circumstances.

Dr Emmanuel Okpo, consultant in public health medicine, said: “Our health protection team are speaking to the confirmed cases, establishing who they have been in contact with, and providing further advice on isolation and testing as required.

"We are also carrying out wider contact tracing work, as part of the Test and Protect scheme. We cannot rule out the possibility of detecting further cases linked to this cluster.

"These cases highlight that Covid-19 still poses a real risk to all of us. We cannot emphasise enough the need for everyone to take all the necessary precautions to keep themselves and others safe.

"This means wearing a face covering when required, practising thorough hand hygiene, maintaining physical distancing, and avoiding crowded places.

"This last point is vitally important as restaurants and pubs are opening up. If you arrive at a venue and you feel it’s too busy to observe physical distancing, then consider leaving.

"We also need to take responsibility for our own behaviour, especially if consuming alcohol. We know drinking impacts on our decision making. The only way we can maintain our hard won progress in reducing the impact of Covid-19 is by working together."

Officials have visited the premises - and while they say it has a series of controls in place, advice has been given on how these can be enhanced.

NHS Grampian says the business has co-operated fully with the investigation.

A statement was posted on the bar's Facebook page.: