Pubs and restaurants in Aberdeen ordered to close as local lockdown imposed

It comes after more than 50 new Coronavirus cases in the area were reported. 

The First Minister confirmed 'certain restrictions' will be put in place in Aberdeen city centre from today (5 August).

Pubs and restaurants have been ordered to close by 5pm this afternoon, with the lockdown to last at least one week.

Hotel restaurants can remain open, but only to provide food services for residents; and takeaway services can continue.

Business affected will be able to re-furlough staff, with Sturgeon saying the Scottish Government will look at what other financial support can be offered to firms.

"I know this is deeply, deeply unwelcome news for people in Aberdeen. I'm very sorry we are in this position," said Sturgeon in a statement.

"The last thing we want to do is reimpose these restrictions but this outbreak reminds us how contagious this virus is."

Sturgeon added that there had been 54 cases in the 'significant outbreak', and that the cluster now involved community transmissions.

Many of the cases have been linked to the Hawthorn bar in Aberdeen, although it is understood that more than 20 other pubs and restaurants are involved in the cluster.

Today's announcement is the first local lockdown to be imposed in Scotland.