Number of cases in north-east Covid-19 cluster rises to 27
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NHS Grampian says the number of cases detected in the Covid-19 cluster linked to an Aberdeen bar now stands at 27.
The outbreak associated with The Hawthorn Bar, in Holburn Street, is believed to involve customers who visited on July 26.
The health board is speaking to the people detected with Covid-19 and identifying their close contacts as it continues its investigations.
An NHS Grampian spokesperson said: "This is a significant undertaking and may result in further cases being detected. We are grateful for their co-operation and for the information they are providing to our health protection team."
Dr Emmanuel Okpo, an NHS Grampian 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.
"I want to send a very clear message to anyone who is contacted by our Test & 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."
The NHS Grampian spokesperson added: "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."
Everyone in Grampian is reminded to remember the FACTS guidance:
F – Face coverings. These should be used in shops and on public transport.
A – Avoid crowded places.
C – Clean your hands frequently, using water and soap whenever possible.
T – Two metres – observe physical distancing.
S – Self-isolate and book a test if you are suffering from Covid-19 symptoms.
