Probe into coronavirus cases in Aberdeenshire 'linked to social gathering'

Health chiefs are investigating whether cases of coronavirus identified in Aberdeenshire are linked to a social gathering.

NHS Grampian says it's investigating "a number of potentially linked cases of Covid-19 in the Portlethen/Stonehaven area".

A spokesperson added: "At present we believe these cases may be connected to a social gathering. Investigations are ongoing - close contacts will be identified and advised to self-isolate for 14 days.

"Our advice remains that anyone who develops the recognised symptoms of Covid-19, however mild, should isolate at home and arrange a test."

An Aberdeenshire Council spokesperson said: "We are aware of concerns in the community about potential cases of coronavirus and some Portlethen Academy pupils are self-isolating on the advice of NHS Grampian’s public health team.

"In the meantime, preparations for the reopening of the school continue with the appropriate additional measures in place to ensure the safety of staff and pupils, and we would encourage anybody displaying symptoms of coronavirus to follow Test and Protect guidance."

It comes as the number of cases associated with an Aberdeen cluster now stands at 165.

The health board has, so far, identified 875 close contacts of those people - but some of those could be the same people.

Since yesterday, 27 new cases have been confirmed in Grampian, but it is not yet known if they are associated with that cluster.

Dr Emmanuel Okpo, consultant in public health medicine, said: "It is clear from our investigations to date that a lack of physical distancing has been the significant factor in the spread of these cases.

"While pubs and restaurants have guidelines to work to, to support physical distancing, it is also the responsibility of each one of us to keep our distance.

"Last week we circulated a list of pubs and restaurants which we had compiled during the course of our interviews with all detected cases at that point. This list was not shared to assign blame to any individual premises.

"We now consider that all licensed premises in Aberdeen are likely affected in some way. This is because physical distancing - or the lack of it - has come up repeatedly in our investigation. I would stress again that we must all take personal responsibility for physical distancing.

"The guidance on this has not changed - we need to keep a two-metre distance from those not within our immediate household. This must apply at all times - at work, meeting other households (outdoors and indoors), when shopping, or when socialising. Keeping our distance is a simple but incredibly effective way to stop this virus in its tracks."

To date, there have been no hospital admissions related to this cluster.

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