Aberdeen Lockdown Restrictions - Fuller Information
"Following an increase in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Aberdeen, local advice on travel and indoor gatherings between households has changed.
Measures have also been taken to close indoor and outdoor hospitality in the Aberdeen City local authority area, from 5pm on 5 August.
The restrictions will be reviewed in 7 days.Restrictions on businesses
Businesses offering food or drink for consumption on the premises - such as pubs, restaurants, bars and cafes - must cease to offer this service.Any outdoor seating such as tables or picnic areas next to a business counts as part of the premises, whether provided by the business or not.
Businesses are permitted to sell food or drink to take away, provided it is consumed off the premises.
Hotels and accommodation providers can offer room service, but must close hotel bars. Hotel restaurants may only open to provide food to staff and guests of the hotel.
Hotels and accommodation providers can offer room service, but must close hotel bars. Hotel restaurants may only open to provide food to staff and guests of the hotel.
Other sectors should continue to follow Phase 3 guidance, and be extra vigilant about hygiene and physical distancing.
People in Aberdeen City are asked not to travel more than 5 miles for leisure or recreational purposes. This includes to take holidays in other parts of Scotland or the UK.
Non-essential overseas travel continues to be advised against.
People are advised not to travel to Aberdeen for leisure purposes or to visit friends and family, unless part of an extended household, while the restrictions are in place
Travel for essential purposes, such as work that cannot be done from home, education or for medical treatment, may continue.
If people are already in Aberdeen visiting family or on holiday then they do not need to leave but are asked to follow the recommendations in this guidance and take extra care when returning home.
Travel
Non-essential overseas travel continues to be advised against.
People are advised not to travel to Aberdeen for leisure purposes or to visit friends and family, unless part of an extended household, while the restrictions are in place
Travel for essential purposes, such as work that cannot be done from home, education or for medical treatment, may continue.
Gatherings
People in Aberdeen City are asked not to meet other households indoors for leisure or recreational purposes, unless part of an extended household. You can still meet people outdoors.If people are already in Aberdeen visiting family or on holiday then they do not need to leave but are asked to follow the recommendations in this guidance and take extra care when returning home.
Care homes and hospitals
Outdoor visits to care homes are permitted by one designated person, in line with current guidance.
Hospital visiting will be restricted to the lockdown visiting rules and will be limited to:
· a birth partner during childbirth
· for a person receiving end-of-life care
· to support someone with a mental health issue such as dementia, a learning disability or autism where not being present would cause the patient to be distressed
· to accompany a child in hospital
· a birth partner during childbirth
· for a person receiving end-of-life care
· to support someone with a mental health issue such as dementia, a learning disability or autism where not being present would cause the patient to be distressed
· to accompany a child in hospital
Shielding
Shielding was paused on 1 August and is not being re-instated at this time. People who had been shielding should consider the number of people they are in contact with, and strictly follow physical distancing and hygiene measures. You may also want to think about the levels of risk associated with work and daily activities.
For those going back to work, our assessment of the evidence is that we do not yet need to change our advice to those coming out of shielding or going back to work. However, we continue to urge all employers to support staff to work from home wherever possible, and we urge employers to take particular account of those who were shielding, especially now when we are urging vigilance.
Bars linked to the Aberdeen outbreak
If you have recently been to any of the bars named, you should only book a test if you have symptoms. Our test and protect system continues to trace people who were in close contact with identified cases. If you are contacted you should self-isolate for 14 days. Getting a test which comes back as ‘not detected’ when you do not have symptoms will not remove the need to self-isolate.List of bars linked to the Aberdeen outbreak
· The Bieldside Inn · Bobbin · Brewdog, Castlegate · Buckie Farm Carvery
· Cafe Andaluz · Cafe Dag · Cafe Drummond · The Cock & Bull
· College Bar · The Daft Project · Dutch Mill · Dyce Farm
· East End Social Club · Ferryhill House · Hawthorn/Adam Lounge · The Howff
· The Justice Mill · The Marine Hotel · McGinty's · McNastys
· Malmaison · Moonfish Cafe · No. 10 Bar · O'Donoghues
· Old Bank Bar · Prohibition · Soul · Spiders Wed
The following leisure settings have also been named:
· Banks O'Dee Football Club · Aboyne Golf Club · Deeside Golf Club · Hazelhead Golf Club
These measure will not affect the re-opening of schools from 11 August. One of the purposes of these measures is to ensure that schools are able to re-open.
All businesses in the Aberdeen City area should however close workplace canteens unless there is no practical alternative for staff to obtain food, and if physical distancing and other hygiene requirements can be maintained.
· Banks O'Dee Football Club · Aboyne Golf Club · Deeside Golf Club · Hazelhead Golf Club
Schools and early learning and childcare settings
The risks of opening schools are small, while the benefits to children and wider society of returning to school are large.
As we have not changed our advice to shield, children who are shielding should still be able to return when schools reopen – though, as with all our shielding advice, we will keep this under review.
Economy and employment
Restrictions are largely limited to the hospitality sector within the city of Aberdeen. Other sectors should follow current phase 3 guidelines.
We understand the impact these measures will have on individuals and businesses. We would emphasise that where a business has brought staff off furlough, those staff can be re-furloughed, as part of the Jobs Retention Scheme.
We continue to urge all employers to support staff to work from home wherever possible.
Hospitality workers
Workers who have previously been furloughed can be re-furloughed at any point until October 31 - it's a decision for employer (and employee) and they don't need to explain the rationale to HMRC, they just claim the hours each employee has been furloughed for.
Off-shore workers
Restrictions are largely limited to the hospitality sector. There are no special provisions regarding off-shore workers but we recognise that many travel from afar to work, staying in hotels before going off-shore. This is a factor in keeping city hotels and hotel restaurants open.Sport
The Scottish Premier League (SPL) home fixture on Wednesday 12 August will go ahead. SPL football clubs, and ancillary staff, are currently operating within a sporting bubble, supported by regular COVID-19 testing and robust guidance to ensure the virus is not brought in, or transmitted, through that environment.Places of worship
At this stage no changes have been made to the operation of places of worship, however this will remain under review as work is undertaken to control the outbreak.Further information
Businesses required to close are set out in the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Aberdeen City) Regulations 2020.If you have coronavirus symptoms get a test and stay at home.
If you are concerned, remember to follow the FACTS advice.
Covid-19 – Aberdeen City – FAQ - 5th August 2020
Why is Aberdeen going into lockdown?
We are placing some restrictions on the area of Aberdeen City due to an increase in numbers of people testing positive with covid-19 in the Aberdeen area. The increase in cases has mainly been in Aberdeen City, however the nature of travel in the North East has identified a potential risk across a wider area. We are therefore providing guidance to those who could be highest at risk.
When do the restriction begin and how long will these restrictions last?
These restrictions apply from 5 pm on Wednesday August 5. The regulations which stipulate the restrictions on hospitality – and the associated guidance and advice – will be reviewed in seven days.
Where do the restrictions apply?
These restrictions apply to the Aberdeen City Local Authority, if you are unsure if this applies, you can use this postcode lookup facility to determine your local authority:
https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
What bars are linked to the outbreak?
See the list above.
I went to one of the bars named, do I need to get tested?
You should only book a test if you have symptoms. Our test and protect system continues to trace people who were in close contact with identified cases. Should you be contacted please self-isolate for 14 days, please note that Getting a test which comes back as ‘not detected’ when you do not have symptoms will not remove the need to self-isolate
I’m concerned about these cases; what should I do?
Remember the FACTS advice and most importantly follow it stringently.
Always wear a face covering in shops and public transport etc. Avoid crowded places. Clean your hands regularly. Keep a 2 meter distance from people outside your household. If you do have symptoms self-isolate and arrange to get tested immediately so that anyone you have been in contact with can be looked after as well.
Where and when can I travel?
Travel for essential purposes, such as work that cannot be done from home, education or for medical treatment, may continue. People in Aberdeen City are asked not to travel more than five miles for leisure or recreational purposes. People are advised not to travel to Aberdeen while the restrictions in place.
Anyone already in Aberdeen visiting family or on holiday may stay, but they should follow all the guidance and take extra care when they return home.
Can I still go on my planned holiday abroad?
People in Aberdeen should not be travelling to other parts of Scotland or the UK on holiday at this time, just as people from other parts of Scotland should not be travelling to Aberdeen for leisure.
In terms of international holidays, although it is possible for people to travel - we continue to advise everyone in Scotland against non-essential overseas travel right now and that remains the case.
Can I visit my family and friends?
People in Aberdeen City are asked not to meet other households indoors or travel more than five miles for leisure or recreational purposes including children. Extended household arrangements can continue but those are situations which should only involve one other adult who is living on their own. You can meet people outdoors.
Can people living alone meet other households?
A person who lives alone, or lives only with children under 18, can, if all adults in the household agree, form an ‘extended household group’ with that household. This would mean the people in the extended household can spend time together inside each other’s’ homes and not need to stay 2 metres apart.
I share parenting. Does this stop me from being able to form an extended household with another household?
The fact that someone shares parenting does not in itself prevent a person forming an extended household group with another household, as long as they meet all of the criteria set out in the guidance for extended households.
Can I still visit a relative in hospital or care home?
One designated person can continue outside visiting a care home setting in line with the current guidance.
Hospital visiting will be restricted to the lockdown visiting rules and will be limited as outlined above.
Why is Aberdeen going into lockdown?
We are placing some restrictions on the area of Aberdeen City due to an increase in numbers of people testing positive with covid-19 in the Aberdeen area. The increase in cases has mainly been in Aberdeen City, however the nature of travel in the North East has identified a potential risk across a wider area. We are therefore providing guidance to those who could be highest at risk.
When do the restriction begin and how long will these restrictions last?
These restrictions apply from 5 pm on Wednesday August 5. The regulations which stipulate the restrictions on hospitality – and the associated guidance and advice – will be reviewed in seven days.
Where do the restrictions apply?
These restrictions apply to the Aberdeen City Local Authority, if you are unsure if this applies, you can use this postcode lookup facility to determine your local authority:
https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
What bars are linked to the outbreak?
See the list above.
I went to one of the bars named, do I need to get tested?
You should only book a test if you have symptoms. Our test and protect system continues to trace people who were in close contact with identified cases. Should you be contacted please self-isolate for 14 days, please note that Getting a test which comes back as ‘not detected’ when you do not have symptoms will not remove the need to self-isolate
I’m concerned about these cases; what should I do?
Remember the FACTS advice and most importantly follow it stringently.
Always wear a face covering in shops and public transport etc. Avoid crowded places. Clean your hands regularly. Keep a 2 meter distance from people outside your household. If you do have symptoms self-isolate and arrange to get tested immediately so that anyone you have been in contact with can be looked after as well.
Where and when can I travel?
Travel for essential purposes, such as work that cannot be done from home, education or for medical treatment, may continue. People in Aberdeen City are asked not to travel more than five miles for leisure or recreational purposes. People are advised not to travel to Aberdeen while the restrictions in place.
Anyone already in Aberdeen visiting family or on holiday may stay, but they should follow all the guidance and take extra care when they return home.
Can I still go on my planned holiday abroad?
People in Aberdeen should not be travelling to other parts of Scotland or the UK on holiday at this time, just as people from other parts of Scotland should not be travelling to Aberdeen for leisure.
In terms of international holidays, although it is possible for people to travel - we continue to advise everyone in Scotland against non-essential overseas travel right now and that remains the case.
Can I visit my family and friends?
People in Aberdeen City are asked not to meet other households indoors or travel more than five miles for leisure or recreational purposes including children. Extended household arrangements can continue but those are situations which should only involve one other adult who is living on their own. You can meet people outdoors.
Can people living alone meet other households?
A person who lives alone, or lives only with children under 18, can, if all adults in the household agree, form an ‘extended household group’ with that household. This would mean the people in the extended household can spend time together inside each other’s’ homes and not need to stay 2 metres apart.
I share parenting. Does this stop me from being able to form an extended household with another household?
The fact that someone shares parenting does not in itself prevent a person forming an extended household group with another household, as long as they meet all of the criteria set out in the guidance for extended households.
Can I still visit a relative in hospital or care home?
One designated person can continue outside visiting a care home setting in line with the current guidance.
Hospital visiting will be restricted to the lockdown visiting rules and will be limited as outlined above.
Can I still attend places of worship including weddings and funerals?
At this stage no changes have been made to the operation of places of worship, however this will remain under review as work is undertaken to control the outbreak.
Will the Aberdeen FC games go ahead?
Yes, the Scottish Premier League (SPL) home fixture on Wednesday 12 August will go ahead. SPL football clubs, and ancillary staff, are currently operating within a sporting bubble, supported by regular COVID testing and robust guidance to ensure the virus is not brought in, or transmitted, through that environment.
Should I go back into shielding?
We are not advising people to start shielding again. It is however important to consider the number of people you are in contact with, and be particularly vigilant about following public health guidance on physical distancing and hygiene measures. If you have been in contact with anyone who tests positive, you will have already been contacted through the test and protect service and should therefore be isolating.
Why am I not being advised to shield?
We know this might be a particularly anxious time for you if you were previously asked to shield. The clinical advice is that you do not need to shield. However, we are keeping the situation under constant review and will not hesitate to change our advice if we think we need to.
Should I still send my child to school next week?
Yes, schools in Aberdeen continue to plan for reopening next week. The risks of opening schools are small, while the benefits to children and wider society of returning to school are large. A major reason we are introducing more restrictions is so that we can still reopen schools. We want to strongly emphasise zero tolerance of anyone with symptoms attending schools and ELC settings; and that it’s essential for anyone who’s returning from an overseas country not on the ‘safe’ list, to quarantine for 14 days.
As we have not changed our advice to shield, children who are shielding should still be able to return when schools reopen – though, as with all our shielding advice, we will keep this under review.
Will this affect the re-opening of schools?
No. One of the purposes of these measures is to ensure that schools are able to reopen.
What does this mean for my business?
We understand the impact these measures will have on individuals and businesses. We would emphasise that where a business has brought staff off furlough, those staff can be re-furloughed, as part of the Jobs Retention Scheme.
We continue to urge all employers to support staff to work from home wherever possible.
Do I need to close my business?
Businesses offering food or drink for consumption on the premises – such as pubs, restaurants, bars and cafes- must cease to offer this service. Hotels and accommodation providers can offer room service and Hotel restaurants can remain open to provide food for hotel guests.
Takeaway services can continue to sell food or drink, provided it is consumed off the premises., but must close bars or restaurants.
Any outdoor seating area next to a business counts as part of the premises, whether provided by the business or not.
Anyone running other types of business in this area should be extra vigilant about hygiene and physical distancing, in line with existing guidance.
What does this mean for other sectors?
Restrictions are limited to hospitality sector. All other sectors should follow current phase 3 guidelines.
Is it still safe for me to go back to work?
Our assessment of the evidence is that we do not yet need to change our advice to those coming out of shielding or going back to work. However, we continue to urge all employers to support staff to work from home wherever possible, and we urge employers to take particular account of those who were shielding, especially now when we are urging vigilance.
I work in the hospitality sector, will I still be paid?
We understand the impact these measures will have on individuals and businesses. We would emphasise that where a business has brought staff off furlough, those staff can be re-furloughed, as part of the Jobs Retention Scheme.
Workers who have previously been furloughed can be re-furloughed at any point until October 31 - it's a decision for employer (and employee) and they don't need to explain the rationale to HMRC, they just claim the hours each employee has been furloughed for.
What does this mean for off-shore workers?
There are no special provisions regarding workers in this sector but we recognise that many travel from afar to work off-shore, staying in hotels before going offshore. The frequent presence of such sectoral workers in hotels is a factor in keeping hotels and hotel restaurants open.
Do the travel restrictions on recreation/leisure include visiting shops or collection points?
No, but we are continuing to monitor the situation and will review the restrictions in 7 days.
Do you expect the restrictions to include in-home deliveries and installation services or, as with the additional measures in Greater Manchester etc., will these services be permitted?
No, but we are continuing to monitor the situation and will review the restrictions in 7 days.
At this stage no changes have been made to the operation of places of worship, however this will remain under review as work is undertaken to control the outbreak.
Will the Aberdeen FC games go ahead?
Yes, the Scottish Premier League (SPL) home fixture on Wednesday 12 August will go ahead. SPL football clubs, and ancillary staff, are currently operating within a sporting bubble, supported by regular COVID testing and robust guidance to ensure the virus is not brought in, or transmitted, through that environment.
Should I go back into shielding?
We are not advising people to start shielding again. It is however important to consider the number of people you are in contact with, and be particularly vigilant about following public health guidance on physical distancing and hygiene measures. If you have been in contact with anyone who tests positive, you will have already been contacted through the test and protect service and should therefore be isolating.
Why am I not being advised to shield?
We know this might be a particularly anxious time for you if you were previously asked to shield. The clinical advice is that you do not need to shield. However, we are keeping the situation under constant review and will not hesitate to change our advice if we think we need to.
Should I still send my child to school next week?
Yes, schools in Aberdeen continue to plan for reopening next week. The risks of opening schools are small, while the benefits to children and wider society of returning to school are large. A major reason we are introducing more restrictions is so that we can still reopen schools. We want to strongly emphasise zero tolerance of anyone with symptoms attending schools and ELC settings; and that it’s essential for anyone who’s returning from an overseas country not on the ‘safe’ list, to quarantine for 14 days.
As we have not changed our advice to shield, children who are shielding should still be able to return when schools reopen – though, as with all our shielding advice, we will keep this under review.
Will this affect the re-opening of schools?
No. One of the purposes of these measures is to ensure that schools are able to reopen.
What does this mean for my business?
We understand the impact these measures will have on individuals and businesses. We would emphasise that where a business has brought staff off furlough, those staff can be re-furloughed, as part of the Jobs Retention Scheme.
We continue to urge all employers to support staff to work from home wherever possible.
Do I need to close my business?
Businesses offering food or drink for consumption on the premises – such as pubs, restaurants, bars and cafes- must cease to offer this service. Hotels and accommodation providers can offer room service and Hotel restaurants can remain open to provide food for hotel guests.
Takeaway services can continue to sell food or drink, provided it is consumed off the premises., but must close bars or restaurants.
Any outdoor seating area next to a business counts as part of the premises, whether provided by the business or not.
Anyone running other types of business in this area should be extra vigilant about hygiene and physical distancing, in line with existing guidance.
What does this mean for other sectors?
Restrictions are limited to hospitality sector. All other sectors should follow current phase 3 guidelines.
Is it still safe for me to go back to work?
Our assessment of the evidence is that we do not yet need to change our advice to those coming out of shielding or going back to work. However, we continue to urge all employers to support staff to work from home wherever possible, and we urge employers to take particular account of those who were shielding, especially now when we are urging vigilance.
I work in the hospitality sector, will I still be paid?
We understand the impact these measures will have on individuals and businesses. We would emphasise that where a business has brought staff off furlough, those staff can be re-furloughed, as part of the Jobs Retention Scheme.
Workers who have previously been furloughed can be re-furloughed at any point until October 31 - it's a decision for employer (and employee) and they don't need to explain the rationale to HMRC, they just claim the hours each employee has been furloughed for.
What does this mean for off-shore workers?
There are no special provisions regarding workers in this sector but we recognise that many travel from afar to work off-shore, staying in hotels before going offshore. The frequent presence of such sectoral workers in hotels is a factor in keeping hotels and hotel restaurants open.
Do the travel restrictions on recreation/leisure include visiting shops or collection points?
No, but we are continuing to monitor the situation and will review the restrictions in 7 days.
Do you expect the restrictions to include in-home deliveries and installation services or, as with the additional measures in Greater Manchester etc., will these services be permitted?
No, but we are continuing to monitor the situation and will review the restrictions in 7 days.
No comments