Coronavirus cluster linked to Santa's grotto at hotel

A cluster of coronavirus cases has been linked to a Santa’s grotto at a hotel in the Highlands.

Seven festive workers at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort have returned positive tests.

Contact tracing is being carried out and all those identified as close contacts are being advised to self-isolate.

Iain Miller, managing director of Macdonald Aviemore Resort, said: “Following positive tests amongst some sub-contractors, we are working closely with local authorities and the health board to ensure all steps have been taken to protect those on site and in the wider community.

“The resort remains operational under the necessary measures and guests and staff have been informed of the developments.”

The health board has written to those who have stayed or worked in the hotel over the last week to advise them what to do, should they develop symptoms.

Dr Tim Allison, director of public health with NHS Highland, said on Saturday: “We appreciate that this will be causing anxiety within the residents of the resort, staff and wider community and we are working closely with the Highland Council’s environmental health team and the resort management to provide advice and guidance to residents, staff and their families.

“At this time, we have no evidence of wider community spread.

“We would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that the virus does circulate even in rural communities and so everyone should continue to adhere to physical distancing guidelines, wear a face-covering when in enclosed spaces, clean your hands and surfaces regularly and immediately self-isolate and seek a test if you develop symptoms.”