Aberdeen lockdown extended for a third week

Aberdeen's pubs and restaurants were ordered to shut two weeks ago​​, following what Sturgeon described as a 'significant outbreak' linked to bars and nightlife in the city.

Since 26 July there have been 398 new cases of Covid-19 recorded in the Scottish region of Grampian, 226 of which have been associated with the Aberdeen cluster.

Speaking earlier today (19 August), Sturgeon said the lockdown was having an impact, but that it was 'not yet safe' to lift the restrictions.

"We are not yet in a position to say that this outbreak is over or completely under control," she said.

Sturgeon added that there was some evidence the original cluster was being contained, but that they were also continuing to see a number of individual cases and other smaller clusters in the city.

"That is not necessarily unusual for an outbreak of this scale, but it is something we must monitor very carefully because these cases don't appear to be linked to the original outbreak," she said. 

A £1m support fund has been set up for the city, with grants of up to £1,500 available for hospitality businesses.

Businesses affected have also been able to re-furlough staff.

Sturgeon said a mid-week review would be carried out on Sunday (16 August), and that she hoped some restrictions could be eased next Wednesday (26 August).

It is understood this could involve lower-risk businesses, such as non-licensed cafes.