MORE than 100 coronavirus cases have been confirmed as part of Aberdeen’s cluster outbreak.
The city faces tighter restrictions as a result of the cluster, which is linked to more than 25 bars and restaurants.
NHS Grampian confirmed it had traced more than 300 close contacts of those involved in the cluster.
It came as Scotland confirmed 47 new Covid-19 cases over the last 24 hours. Of those, 27 cases were in the Grampian area.
READ MORE: Coronavirus in Scotland: 43 new cases confirmed over 24 hours
Speaking at today’s Scottish Government briefing, Nicola Sturgeon said: “I can confirm that – as of now – a total of 101 cases have been confirmed as part of that cluster. That is an increase of 22 on the position we reported yesterday.
"And a total of 313 close contacts have now been identified and are being followed up – although we expect those numbers to rise further.”
A total of eight Aberdeen players are self-isolating after two tested positive for coronavirus, it was confirmed.
The First Minister condemned the players for going on a night out on Saturday, breaching rules set by sporting bodies and the Scottish Government.
She said: "It is now clear that all eight of these players visited a bar in Aberdeen on Saturday night.
“In doing so, they blatantly broke the rules that had been agreed, between the SFA, the SPFL and the Scottish Government which, to put it mildly, is completely unacceptable.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon slams Aberdeen players' over 'unacceptable' night out
"This morning, the Scottish Government convened a meeting with the SFA and the SPFL. And following those discussions, the football authorities have confirmed that the game between Aberdeen and St Johnston – scheduled for tomorrow in Perth – will not now go ahead.
"I think that is the right decision. We are expecting members of the public to behave in a highly precautionary manner right now.
"When a football club ends up with players infected with Covid - not through bad luck, but through clear breaches of the rules - we cannot take even a small risk that they then spread the infection to other parts of the country."
Sturgeon said the Scottish Government will be contacting all club captains and managers to stress the importance of complying with guidance.
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