Coronavirus: Nicola Sturgeon says 'clear' link between outbreaks across world and reopening of pubs

Nicola Sturgeon has said it is “clear” there is a common link between coronavirus outbreaks across the world and hospitality, as she said the Scottish government would make it mandatory for pubs and other social venues to collect customers’ details.

The Scottish first minister also used the daily coronavirus briefing to outline that face coverings will become mandatory in libraries, museums and places of worship from Saturday said if individuals choose to wear visors they must also do so with another type of face covering.

And she accused football players of “blatantly” breaking the coronavirus restrictions in Aberdeen and said the return of the professional game would depend on the strict condition that clubs and players abide by the government’s guidance.

It comes after lockdown measures were reinstated in Aberdeen with the closure of bars, restaurants and cafes in the city – three weeks after they reopened – due to a cluster of infections being detected. Residents have also been told not to meet with other households indoors and travel more than five miles for leisure purposes.

Speaking on Friday, Ms Sturgeon said the situation in the city was “extremely challenging” and that 101 cases have been confirmed as part of the cluster – an increase of 22 infection on Thursday, with 313 contacts identified by Covid-19 tracers.

She added: “We want to learn the lessons of this outbreak and apply those elsewhere. We have seen similar outbreaks in countries around the world, and it’s clear that a common factor in many of them is a link to hospitality."

"We’ve always known that settings such as pubs and bars are particularly susceptible to the spread of the virus. That’s why we held back the reopening of hospitality until a later phase."

While the Scottish first minister said many were complying with the government’s instruction it was clear “there are some businesses where that has not been the case”.

"The government is determined to do everything we can to prevent further outbreaks. And we want to also ensure that our hospitality sector can continue to remain open,” she said

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