LOCKDOWN restrictions in Aberdeen will be extended for another week, the First Minister has confirmed.
The city faces tighter restrictions than the rest of Scotland due to a cluster outbreak linked to hospitality venues.
As of yesterday the number of coronavirus cases linked to the cluster was 165.
Indoor and outdoor hospitality venues are shut in Aberdeen, while people living there must not go into others’ homes. Residents are advised not to travel more than five miles for recreational purposes and people not living in Aberdeen should not visit the city.
Today, a review of the lockdown restrictions was due. Nicola Sturgeon said at FMQs that it was not the right time to lift them yet.
READ MORE: Number of coronavirus cases related to Aberdeen cluster rises to 165
Sturgeon told the Chamber: "Based on the assessment from an incident management team, and advice from the Chief Medical Officer, the Scottish Government's conclusion is that it's not yet possible to lift any of the restrictions that were placed in Aberdeen.
"I know people in Aberdeen, who are coping with the severe weather as well as COVID, will be disappointed with the decision - but I want to thank them for complying so well with the rules that we've put in place last week.
"Nobody wants these restrictions in place for any longer than necessary - they'll be reviewed in one week's time, and as soon as we can relax any of them, we will do so.
READ MORE: Coronavirus in Scotland: 47 new cases recorded over 24 hours
“But right now, the number of cases is still too high for it to be safe or sensible.
“Aberdeen reminds us how quickly this virus can take off and how much effort is then required to bring outbreaks under control.
“It therefore reminds us that for us to make progress out of lockdown, we must continue to suppress the virus."
The First Minister’s announcement came as 47 new coronavirus cases were confirmed 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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