Covid-19 outbreak sees restrictions reimposed in Aberdeen with pubs and restaurants told to close

Some lockdown restrictions have been reimposed in Aberdeen with first minister Nicola Sturgeon saying pubs and restaurants in the city will be required to close from 5pm today (Wednesday).

Hotel restaurants will be able to remain open, but only to serve guests staying at the properties.

A “significant outbreak” in the city has seen 54 cases confirmed, including transmissions in the community. The outbreak had earlier been linked to the Hawthorn Bar, which had already closed as a “precautionary measure”.

People have also been told not to travel to the city, with those living in the area told not to travel more than five miles for leisure or visit other people's homes.

Businesses affected have been told they will be able to refurlough staff and Sturgeon has said the government will look at further support that may be provided.

The first minister said there was “a lot of inherent uncertainty” around the situation, adding that “decisive action” was needed to offset the risk of further community transmission.

Sturgeon said the reimposing of measures should be “a wake-up call” that the virus was still present and urged hospitality venues to be stringent in their following of the protocols put in place.

The measures will be reviewed in seven days.