//THREAD We are investigating thirteen detected cases of COVID-19 in Aberdeen associated with The Hawthorn Bar, a licensed premises in the city centre. All those who have tested positive to date are exhibiting only mild symptoms.

We are working closely with Environmental Health colleagues at Aberdeen City Council as part of our investigation. Dr Emmanuel Okpo, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, said: “Our Health Protection team are speaking to the confirmed cases"

"We are also carrying out wider contact tracing work, as part of the Test & Protect scheme. We cannot rule out the possibility of detecting further cases linked to this cluster."

"These cases highlight that COVID-19 still poses a real risk to all of us. We cannot emphasise enough the need for everyone to take all the necessary precautions to keep themselves and others safe."

"This means wearing a face covering when required, practising thorough hand hygiene, maintaining physical distancing, and avoiding crowded places. This last point is vitally important as restaurants and pubs are opening up."

"If you arrive at a venue and you feel it’s too busy to observe physical distancing, then consider leaving.

“We also need to take responsibility for our own behaviour, especially if consuming alcohol. We know drinking impacts on our decision making."

"The only way we can maintain our hard won progress in reducing the impact of COVID-19 is by working together.”

Officers from Protective Services (Environmental Health) have visited the establishment to assess the controls implemented. The business had a series of controls in place for physical distancing and enhanced hygiene, as well taking customer contact details.

Advice was provided on how these controls could be improved further and this advice has been taken on board with enhanced controls being implemented immediately. The business has co-operated fully with the investigation.

Everyone in Grampian is reminded to remember the FACTS guidance:
F – Face coverings.
A – Avoid crowded places.
C – Clean your hands frequently.
T – Two metres – observe physical distancing.
S – Self-isolate and book a test if you are suffering from COVID-19 symptoms. ENDS//