2 Sisters factory coronavirus outbreak leads to tighter Scotland restrictions

Tighter restrictions have been introduced to a 2 Sisters factory in Scotland following an outbreak of coronavirus after the number of positive cases rose to 43.

The Scottish Government has ordered anyone living in a household with a factory worker including children must self-isolate for 14 days.

The poultry manufacturer based in Coupar Angus decided to temporarily close on Sunday, 16th August, with around 900 employees now in quarantine.

Speaking in a meeting yesterday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the latest cases from the plant are "a significant cluster"- 37 being factory workers and six as contacts.

Ms Sturgeon said: "This number will almost certainly grow, we are stressing the importance of all workers at the plant self-isolating and getting tested.

"Given the nature and potential scale of this outbreak, we are considering carefully and urgently whether further restrictions are necessary."

Lockdown in Aberdeen was also extended following several people contracting covid-19 from several pubs, which will be reviewed this Sunday.

She added: "All of these outbreaks are being tackled by our test and protect teams, and current evidence on their performance suggests that the vast majority of contacts are being identified, and most are being identified quickly.

"However, the clusters and new cases highlight a continued need for caution, especially since our priority continues to be to keep schools open."

Perth and Kinross Council has been working to encourage all staff to get tested, with around a third of the workforce already been checked.

As of Thursday, 20th August, Scotland has recorded 19,457 people who have tested positive for coronavirus and 2,492 deaths.