Aberdeen Covid-19 cluster numbers double as tracing efforts continue
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NHS Grampian have confirmed that the number of cases detected in the Aberdeen Covid-19 cluster associated with The Hawthorn Bar now stands at 27.
Investigations are ongoing, and NHS teams continue to speak with those detected with Covid-19 and identifying who their close contacts are.
This is a significant undertaking and may result in further cases being detected.
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’.
"Anyone who develops symptoms of Covid-19 – a loss of their sense of taste or smell, a fever, or a new, continuous cough, should isolate at home immediately and arrange a test.
"People working in health and social care in the north-east should access the staff testing service; the general public should contact NHS 24 on 111 or use the NHS Inform website to book a test.
“I want to send a very clear message to anyone who is contacted by our Test and Protect team and advised they are a close contact of a detected case: please follow the guidance and self-isolate for 14 days.
"You should only book a test if you have symptoms.
"Getting a test which comes back as ‘not detected’ when you do not have symptoms will not remove the need to self-isolate.
“I know the past four months has been extremely challenging for all of us and I understand the desire to meet up and socialise now more venues are opening.
"I must emphasise again the need for all of us to take personal responsibility.
"If you arrive at a venue and feel it is too busy to observe physical distancing, then consider leaving.”
He continued: "We are 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.
His feelings on this break down of social distancing at venues were stressed earlier today by the First Minister who warned that hospitality venues could be closed again if incidents continued to occur.
Everyone in Grampian is reminded to remember the FACTS guidance:
F – Face coverings. These should be used in shops and on public transport (buses, trains and taxis)
A – Avoid crowded places.
C – Clean your hands frequently, using water & soap whenever possible.
T – Two metres – observe physical distancing.
S – Self-isolate and book a test if you are suffering from Covid-19 symptoms.
