Scottish Government lays out reasoning behind restriction levels for the north-east
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In a paper published today where restriction levels for the whole of Scotland which will come into effect from Monday were confirmed, the Scottish Government has explained its reasonings.
For Aberdeen City consideration was given in the first instance to allocating Aberdeen City to level zero but it was explained: "With the indicator for cases per 100,000 at a value of 43 per 100,000 and no special cause apparent it was judged that there remained sufficient evidence of community transmission requiring restrictive measures to suppress.
"Consideration was given to whether the measures at level 1 would be adequate to suppress transmission.
"It was judged that such measures would not be adequate given they would represent a reduction in current restrictions and although there is some evidence of reduced transmission over time, along
with value of cases per 100,000 with test positivity at 2.94 per cent there remains a need to maintain current levels of restriction.
"In the light of measures in place being currently modelled to reduce prevalence level 2 appears effective in reducing these indicators with such measures being required to maintain progress to lower levels of harm from the disease. "
Consideration was given to whether there may be a need to increase levels of restriction which would mean Aberdeen City being allocated level 3.
It was recognised that bed capacity in NHS Grampian was not under any significant pressure.
Given the full impact of the most recent national restrictions have not been seen in data and their likely further positive impact it was not judged that Aberdeen City requires level 3 measures to suppress the virus and so on that basis Aberdeen City was allocated to level 2, which reflects current restrictions.
A full breakdown of level 2 can be found here .
For Aberdeenshire with cases at a value of 31 per 100,000 and test positivity at a value of 2.36 per cent there was evidence of community transmission that would require restrictions.
Consideration was given to whether the restrictions at level 1 might be sufficient to suppress the relevant level of transmission and while it was recognised that levels have remained relatively low over time there has been a recent increase in cases and positive test indicators
On that basis it was judged that at this time it was not appropriate to allocate Aberdeenshire to level 1.
It was judged that there was no evidence to support the need for increased restrictions in Aberdeenshire
With the full impact of recent restrictions not yet seen in data, it was judged that the level commensurate with current restrictions would be sufficient.
For Moray consideration was also given to allocating Moray to level zero.
Given the levels of community transmission at 18 per 100,000 and 1.36 per cent positivity it was judged that some level of restriction was needed to suppress the virus.
Given the recent steadying and lowering of case numbers it was considered level 1 was sufficient to allow maintenance and improvement at this level.
