Aberdeen is put into lockdown: Nicola Sturgeon orders all pubs in the city to close

Aberdeen has been put back into lockdown as pubs, cafes and restaurants are shut and people are banned from travelling in and out.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said 54 infections have now been reported in the outbreak – double yesterday’s figure.

She said the rise in cases heightens fears the Scottish Government is ‘dealing with a significant outbreak in Aberdeen that may include some community transmission’.

A five-mile travel rule has been put in place and residents are being told not to enter each other’s houses.

All indoor and outdoor hospitality venues have been told to close by 5pm on Wednesday.

It comes a day after the Queen landed at Aberdeen airport where she was met by a driver and whisked off to Balmoral, roughly an hour away. 

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the restrictions were brought in after 54 new coronavirus cases emerged from packed bars (pictured in the city centre) over the weekend 

Ms Sturgeon (pictured) said 191 contacts have been traced in relation to the cluster, adding the double in cases has contributed to a greater fear there was a 'significant outbreak'

Ms Sturgeon (pictured) said 191 contacts have been traced in relation to the cluster, adding the double in cases has contributed to a greater fear there was a ‘significant outbreak’

It comes a day after the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh flew into Aberdeen Airport from RAF Northolt, in west London

It comes a day after the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh flew into Aberdeen Airport from RAF Northolt, in west London

The measures, which apply to the Aberdeen City area, will be backed by government regulations, the First Minister said, and will be enforced if the rules are not followed.

The decision was taken following a meeting of the Scottish Government Resilience Committee (SCOR), which also included leaders of Aberdeen City Council, NHS Grampian and Police Scotland.

Ms Sturgeon added the decision to reimpose some measures was taken to ‘prevent further spread and to give the Test and Protect teams the best possible chance of successfully breaking these chains of transmission’.

The First Minister said people should not travel to Aberdeen, but those who are already there can remain.

She added the changes will be reviewed next Wednesday, when she hopes they could be removed, either in entirety or in part.

Ms Sturgeon said they could be extended beyond that seven-day period if necessary.

Speaking at the Covid briefing in Edinburgh on Wednesday, she said the rise in cases has contributed to a greater fear there has been a ‘significant outbreak’ in the city.

According to the First Minister, more than 20 other pubs and restaurants are involved in the cluster.

Across Scotland, Ms Sturgeon said 18,781 people have tested positive for the virus, up by 64 from 18,717 the day before.

‘The last thing we want to do is to reimpose these restrictions but this outbreak is reminding us just how highly infectious Covid is,’ Ms Sturgeon said.

‘Our precautionary and careful judgment is that we need to take decisive action now, difficult as that undoubtedly is, in order to try to contain this outbreak and prevent further harm later on.

‘As I said earlier, this is about doing all we can to ensure our children can return to schools next week.’

She added: ‘Acting now, we judge, gives us the time and the space to protect the ability of our young people to return to education.’ 

Yesterday the First Minister said she ‘wanted to cry’ over pictures of pubgoers not social distancing at the weekend as 27 cases of were linked to one bar.

SNP MP Stephen Flynn yesterday tweeted two photos he had spotted online of the city centre, where an outbreak took place in The Hawthorn Bar.

The MP said he was ‘scunnered’ by the images, which showed dozens of people queuing to enter pubs in the city.

 NHS Grampian later announced 27 cases of the virus had been linked to the bar, adding it is ‘aware’ of photos being shared online of ‘extremely busy bars’.

Addressing the Aberdeen cluster, the First Minister thanked the owners of the Hawthorn bar, where the outbreak is believed to have started, and said work was being done to address the cluster.

She added the coronavirus outbreak was ‘exactly what we feared’ when the decision was taken to reopen the hospitality industry.

Images show groups of people outside Soul Bar and The Justice Mill in Aberdeen, where a cluster of cases have been linked to another pub, Hawthorn Bar

Images show groups of people outside Soul Bar and The Justice Mill in Aberdeen, where a cluster of cases have been linked to another pub, Hawthorn Bar

SNP MP Stephen Flynn yesterday tweeted two photos he had spotted online of the city centre, where an outbreak took place in The Hawthorn Bar

SNP MP Stephen Flynn yesterday tweeted two photos he had spotted online of the city centre, where an outbreak took place in The Hawthorn Bar

Retweeting Mr Flynn's images on Monday morning, Ms Sturgeon described the scenes as 'dangerous', warning it could result in the closure of more bars

Retweeting Mr Flynn’s images on Monday morning, Ms Sturgeon described the scenes as ‘dangerous’, warning it could result in the closure of more bars

Retweeting Mr Flynn’s images on Monday morning, Ms Sturgeon described the scenes as ‘dangerous’, warning it could result in the closure of more bars.

She said: ‘Spot on from @StephenFlynnSNP – Covid remains a real and present threat to our health and wellbeing.

‘Scenes like these are dangerous, and could easily result in pubs being closed again – which no one wants. We all have a responsibility here. Please, please everybody #keeptheheid.’

Mr Flynn, who represents Aberdeen South, said: ‘A bit scunnered by some of the photos appearing online from the city centre over the weekend.

‘Covid-19 has not gone away – as is evident from the cluster linked to The Hawthorn Bar. Should act as the wake-up call some folk clearly need.’

NHS Grampian tweeted earlier on Monday: ‘We can confirm the number of cases detected in the Aberdeen COVID-19 cluster associated with The Hawthorn Bar now stands at 27.’

It added: ‘We aware that many photos have been shared on social media over the weekend of extremely busy bars and venues in Aberdeen.

‘Our Environmental Health colleagues at Aberdeen City Council are in contact with licensees in the city to reiterate the safety rules and regulations. ‘

Dr Emmanuel Okpo, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, said: ‘It is not entirely surprising further cases have been detected. This virus is still circulating in our communities. It poses a risk to all of us.

‘People who have not gone to this bar, or who live in other parts of Grampian, should not assume they are somehow ‘safe’.

‘If you develop the symptoms of COVID-19 – a loss of sense of taste or smell, a fever, or a new, continuous cough, isolate at home & arrange a test.’

The owners said customers – who were there on July 26 – tested positive but it was confirmed by NHS Grampian they were only showing mild symptoms.

Physical distancing measures were put in place within the pub and contact tracing is being carried out to identify any other potential cases.

On today’s announcement, CBI Scotland Director Tracy Black said: ‘While this news will come as a disappointment to many people and businesses, it’s essential that we keep on top of the virus and public safety must come first.

‘Aberdeen won’t be the last local area that faces renewed restrictions in the coming months, so the Scottish Government must do everything it can to provide clear, timely advice and appropriate support to firms and individuals. That’s a must to maintain public confidence.

‘This will be a particular blow to the local hospitality sector, which has now faced a double-whammy of lockdowns, and emphasises the need for government support to evolve in-line with the trajectory of the virus.’

Meanwhile the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh arrived in Scotland for the start of their summer holiday yesterday. 

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have arrived in Scotland for the start of their summer holiday. The couple travelled by private jet from RAF Northolt, in west London, to Aberdeen airport where they were met by driver, pictured

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have arrived in Scotland for the start of their summer holiday. The couple travelled by private jet from RAF Northolt, in west London, to Aberdeen airport where they were met by driver, pictured

The couple were followed off the plane by royal aides carrying luggage and their faithful dorgis - a cross between a dachshund and a Welsh corgi. Pictured, a member of royal staff carries one of the dorgis off the flight

The couple were followed off the plane by royal aides carrying luggage and their faithful dorgis – a cross between a dachshund and a Welsh corgi. Pictured, a member of royal staff carries one of the dorgis off the flight

The couple, who had been isolating at Windsor Castle, travelled by car earlier to RAF Northolt, in west London, where they boarded a private jet.

After a short flight, the Queen, 94, and Prince Philip, 99, touched down at Aberdeen airport where they were met by a driver and taken the hour journey to Balmoral.

They landed in overcast weather, with the Queen donning a rain mac over her smart powder blue suit as her husband followed her down the stairs of the plane in his own practical waterproof coat.

They were followed by royal aides carrying luggage and a pair of dorgis, the Queen’s beloved dogs which are a cross between a dachshund and a Welsh corgi.

Her Majesty and the Duke will stay at the 50,000-acre estate until early October and will be joined by family members throughout their visit.

Balmoral: The Royal Family’s summer retreat 

A group of aides have already travelled up to the Scottish home of the Royal Family to prepare the castle for the couple's arrival. The Queen and Philip will stay in the main castle, pictured

A group of aides have already travelled up to the Scottish home of the Royal Family to prepare the castle for the couple’s arrival. The Queen and Philip will stay in the main castle, pictured

Balmoral Castle has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852, having been first leased in 1848.

In the autumn of 1842, two and a half years after her marriage to Prince Albert, Queen Victoria paid her first visit to Scotland. They were so struck with the Highlands that they resolved to return. A further visit to Perthshire and then Ardverikie encouraged them to seize the opportunity to purchase Balmoral. 

After Queen Victoria bought the Castle in 1852, plans were made to build a new castle about 100 yards north-west of the old building designed by the city of Aberdeen architect William Smith.

On 28 September 1853 the foundation stone of the new Castle was laid by Queen Victoria. Prince Albert took a great interest in the design and construction which was completed by 1856, also in the Scottish Baronial style.

The Castle is constructed from local granite, which was precision cut using the modern machinery of the day, producing a much smoother finish to the building than usual.

Prince Albert set about landscaping the area, starting a programme of improvements lasting several years, which was done in accordance with a model he had constructed in sand. The main works were completed by 1859 and included new houses, stables, workshops and schools.

Royals continue to make improvements to the castle and the ruggedly beautiful surroundings have captivated generations of royals since. 

The Queen has visited Balmoral almost every year of her reign and it holds a special place in her heart. 

It will be a welcome change of scenery for the couple, who have not left the grounds of Windsor Castle since March.

A group of royal aides travelled up to the sprawling 50,000-acre Scottish estate ahead of yesterday to prepare the castle for the couple’s arrival.

It is understood staff quarantined for two weeks in order to minimise the risk of the Queen or Prince Philip, who are both in their 90s, being exposed to Covid-19.

Reports suggest the hand-picked team of royal aides who will join the couple include Vice-Admiral Tony Johnstone-Burt, master of the household; Sir Edward Young, the Queen’s private secretary, and Paul Whybrew and William Henderson, her pages.

Major Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah, her equerry; Terry Pendry, her head groom; Angela Kelly, the Queen’s personal assistant and her senior dresser; Jackie Newbold, Kelly’s PA; and three assistant dressers will also join, according to The Sunday Times.

It is thought staff will minimise their contact with people outside the royal household in order to create a ‘Balmoral bubble’ designed to keep the Queen and Prince Philip safe.

Measures will also be taken if any members of the royal family come to visit. Typically the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are joined by their children and grandchildren, as well as close friends, throughout the summer holiday.

But this year any visitors, who typically include the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex, will likely maintain social distancing while on site.

Family members will not stay in the castle with the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh as they have done in previous years and will instead be housed in other properties in the grounds of the 50,000-acre estate.

They will be able to meet her for outside activities instead including walks, horse riding and picnics.

Previous reports suggest Balmoral staff have been banned from social activity and the annual Ghillies Ball has also been cancelled due to coronavirus.

Aberdeen’s lockdown is six days after parts of the North West of England was also put back under restrictions.

Four-and-a-half million people in Manchester and surrounding areas face £100 fines if they breach reimposed lockdown rules that come into force at midnight.

The new laws include a ban on sex with anyone who does not live with them, with people only allowed to stay overnight with someone from another household if they were previously in a support bubble with them.

Ministers signed off the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions on Gatherings) (North of England) Regulations 2020 which sees a heavier shutdown re-imposed in Greater Manchester, parts of east Lancashire and West Yorkshire after a massive surge in cases in the area.

They had originally said the rules would be effective from midnight on July 31.  Anyone found flouting them could be fined £100 and up to £3,200 for repeat offences.

They prevent people from meeting those they do not live with inside homes or public settings like ‘pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions’.

But ‘support bubbles’ formed from two households, where one of them is a single person living alone, or a single parent family will still be allowed to meet up indoors.

And outdoor groups of up to six people will be allowed to meet socially distanced outdoors in public spaces – but not gardens.

A localised approach to tackling the crisis has been adopted by Downing Street.

Infection rates released by health officials yesterday - for the period of July 25 to 31 - show how cases are increasing in all but three of the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester

Infection rates released by health officials yesterday – for the period of July 25 to 31 – show how cases are increasing in all but three of the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester

The streets of Manchester were packed with revellers on Friday night despite a local lockdown brought in to tackle the increase in coronavirus cases. The announcement was made on Thursday night by health secretary Matt Hancock

The streets of Manchester were packed with revellers on Friday night despite a local lockdown brought in to tackle the increase in coronavirus cases. The announcement was made on Thursday night by health secretary Matt Hancock

Which areas are affected by the law change?

The legislation imposes restrictions on all local authority areas covered by: 

  • Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council
  • Bury Metropolitan Borough Council 
  • Manchester City Council
  • Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council
  • Rochdale Borough Council
  • Salford City Council
  • Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
  • Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council
  • Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council
  • Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council
  • Burnley Borough Council, 
  • Hyndburn Borough Council, 
  • Pendle Borough Council, 
  • Rossendale Borough Council
  • Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council
  • Kirklees Metropolitan Council

But the restriction zone could change at any time as directed by the Health Secretary Matt Hancock, according to the legislation.

It came as local coronavirus contact-tracing teams were set up in the worst-affected part of England to plug holes left by the creaking national test and trace system, it was revealed yesterday.

Staff from Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council said its staff will use their local knowledge to help find people who have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus.

Details will be passed on to the local service if the national NHS Test and Trace system cannot make contact with a local resident after two days of trying.

A home visit from the local public protection team will take place if another 48 hour passes and the resident has not responded by email, text or phone.

The announcement came as ministers admitted the struggling national coronavirus contact tracing system must improve – but insisted schools will reopen in September despite fears of a catastrophic second peak.

Scientists said the only way of bringing back schools and avoiding another crisis around Christmas was to ramp up dramatically the NHS test and trace operation.

To prevent a second wave when schools reopen, the NHS contact tracing system must reach 68 per cent of cases and their contacts, according to researchers from University College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

But the current NHS system is ‘not good enough’ as it reaches just half of contacts and only a fraction of symptomatic cases are tested.

Groups of Friday drinkers flocked to Manchester’s pubs and bars on the hottest day of the year with beer gardens rammed despite the Government introducing new lockdown measures.

As temperatures rose across the country, people were seen standing close together in pubs, contrary to recommendations from the government. And similar temperatures are expected again this weekend.  

This graph shows the number of infections across Greater Manchester from July 1 to July 29, two days before the new lockdown measures were reintroduced

This graph shows the number of infections across Greater Manchester from July 1 to July 29, two days before the new lockdown measures were reintroduced

The weekly coronavirus infection rate — the number of cases diagnosed for every 100,000 people — has doubled in a fortnight in Trafford, from 10.2 in a report released on July 23 to 36.8 in the most recent Public Health England figures published on Friday

The weekly coronavirus infection rate — the number of cases diagnosed for every 100,000 people — has doubled in a fortnight in Trafford, from 10.2 in a report released on July 23 to 36.8 in the most recent Public Health England figures published on Friday

The infection rate in Oldham, the second worst-hit authority in all of England, has also risen — from 18.3 to 54.3

The infection rate in Oldham, the second worst-hit authority in all of England, has also risen — from 18.3 to 54.3

The city of Manchester's Covid-19 case rate was 21 at the end of June and dipped slightly over the first few weeks of July. But it has shot back up in the past fortnight, from 13 to 22.1

The city of Manchester’s Covid-19 case rate was 21 at the end of June and dipped slightly over the first few weeks of July. But it has shot back up in the past fortnight, from 13 to 22.1

Eighty per cent of new Covid-19 cases in one badly-hit part of Greater Manchester are among white people, according to a local official.

Councillors in other parts of the North West — including Blackburn — have warned spikes in coronavirus cases are being driven by the Asian community.

But Eleanor Roaf, director of public health in Trafford, says cases in the borough — home to 235,000 people — are centered in the ‘nice leafy suburbs’.

She fears a ‘complacent white middle class’ will wrongly believe the disease is ‘not affecting them because it’s about overcrowding in ethnic minority families’.

Official NHS figures show the infection rate in Trafford, one of the wealthiest of the 10 boroughs in Greater Manchester, is now starting to decline.

The borough saw 32.6 cases for every 100,000 people between July 26 and August 1 — 10 per cent lower than the week before.

Separate data released on Friday showed Trafford’s infection rate had tripled in just one week, from 10.2 to 36.8.

Only one authority in Greater Manchester — Wigan — is not named in the list of the 20 areas with the highest infection rates in England.

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