More north-east venues close due to links with Covid-19 outbreak

Several more venues in the north-east have been forced to close for a period - due to their links with a Covid-19 outbreak in the region.

At least 32 cases have been associated with an outbreak at Aberdeen's Hawthorn Bar - which has closed down for a fortnight after staff were among those to test positive.

Yesterday, the owners of several other venues including Soul Bar - where large crowds were pictured at the weekend - also took the decision to shut of their own accord, as fears over the outbreak grew.

Now a number of other pubs and sports clubs in the north-east have had to close after customers informed them they had tested positive.

Several of them shared statements on social media, including Aberdeen bar McNasty's:

The venue posted a further update later in the day, which said: "Thank you to everyone who has posted well wishes & comments on the isolation period as highlighted by the First Minister earlier today in her press announcement.

"We are aware of the guidance and we can assure our customers that we operate different staff shifts & teams. The staff who were on duty whilst any contact could have occurred with the infected customer will be tested and will also self isolate for the 14 day period regardless of test result.

"We take this extremely seriously and will follow the guidance to the letter at all times. Our staff & customer safety is and always will be paramount at McNasty's.

"We hope this clarifies the situation for everyone."

Meanwhile East End Football Club has shut its lounge until further notice:

Aboyne Golf Club updated members yesterday - and plans to reopen today:

Meanwhile Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce says financial support will be needed for businesses if closures are to take place - either on a voluntary or compulsory basis.

Yesterday the first minister told Original 106 that any significant additional support would need to come from Westminister, and that Holyrood would continue to make the case for this.

But the UK Treasury says it has already pumped billions into the economy, and has provided tailored support packages for various sectors. It says it will continue to adapt its support as the economy reopens.

Shane Taylor is from the chamber of commerce: