Scotland has delayed plans to ditch face coverings in public places because of a rise in Covid cases. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had said that from March 21, the law would not require Scots will not need to wear a face covering but that date has now been pushed back.
It had been expected that from that date, wearing face masks in shops and other indoor public places would be "strongly recommended" by the Scottish Government. However, she has today said the law will stay in place until April due to a rise in cases of Covid-19. Ms Sturgeon said it would be "prudent" to keep mask rules in place due to a spike in cases. These will be reviewed again in two weeks, and are likely to be converted to guidance in early April.
Ms Sturgeon said a sharp rise in infections was putting "significant pressure on hospital capacity", but that vaccines were still giving people good protection. All other restrictions on businesses and services are to move from legal requirement to guidance from March 21.
