ALL licensed premises in Aberdeen are likely to be affected by the city’s coronavirus outbreak, NHS Grampian has said.
The health board gave an update on the Covid-19 outbreak in the city, announcing that the number of cases linked to the cluster now stands at 165.
They said they have identified 875 contacts, though because of overlap this figure does not represent 875 individuals.
Over the last 24 hours, 27 new coronavirus cases were detected in Grampian – it is not currently known how many of these are linked to the cluster.
Dr Emmanuel Okpo, consultant in public health medicine at NHS Grampian, said it is now assumed that “all licensed premises in Aberdeen are likely affected in some way”.
READ MORE: Number of coronavirus cases related to Aberdeen cluster rises to 165
He said this is a result of a lack of physical distancing in hospitality venues.
Okpo explained: “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.”
He stressed that rules on physical distancing have not changed, and it is crucial to keep a two-metre distance from those not in our immediate household.
“Keeping our distance is a simple but incredibly effective way to stop this virus in its tracks,” he said.
Okpo added that there are no hospital admissions related to the cluster to date.
Aberdeen faces tighter coronavirus lockdown restrictions due to the outbreak linked to hospitality venues in the city.
The outbreak has been linked to more than 25 bars and restaurants – indoor and outdoor hospitality venues were made to close again last week.
People should not go into others’ homes in the city, and those not living in Aberdeen have been told not to travel there.
His comments come after it emerged 52 new coronavirus cases have been idenfitied in Scotland over the last 24 hours.
There were no deaths of patients who have received a positive coronavirus test in the last 28 days.
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