NHS Grampian has confirmed that there are now 204 positive cases of coronavirus linked to the Aberdeen cluster.

The health board also confirmed that they had identified 1044 close contacts.

However, they stressed that, as the contacts are identified by detected cases as part of a household or group, this does not represent 1044 unique individuals.

READ MORE: Coronavirus in Scotland: Another 51 people test positive for Covid-19

The news comes after the announcement that 51 more Scots had tested positive for Covid-19.

Nearly half (25) of those new cases were detected in Grampian, but it is not known how many of these may be associated with the Aberdeen cluster.

NHS Grampian said that, as was confirmed yesterday, a change in testing policy means anyone contacted by the Test and Protect scheme will be offered “an immediate test, whether they themselves have symptoms or not”.

“Testing will help to identify people in this situation. Their contacts can then be identified and advised to self-isolate earlier as a result,” the health board said.

READ MORE: Aberdeen lockdown: These are the restrictions on the city

It added that the increased testing will likely result in a higher number of confirmed cases being reported each day, but that it is designed to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Under current lockdown rules people living in Aberdeen are asked not to travel more than five miles from their home, with some exceptions for work purposes.

Pubs, bars and restaurants in the city also remain closed as a result of the cluster linked to The Hawthorn Bar.