Covid face covering rules set to change from tomorrow
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IT will no longer be a requirement to wear a facemask in most indoor public places – including public transport – from tomorrow (Monday).
Changes to the face coverings legislation originally brought in due to Covid mean that the wearing of masks or covering now become guidance as opposed to a legal requirement.
The Scottish Government strongly recommends that face coverings continue to be worn where appropriate – including in indoor crowded spaces and on public transport – as members of the public are advised to carry on taking sensible precautions to reduce the spread of Covid-19.
Data shows the situation has generally improved but Covid has not gone away with over 5,000 cases a day still being recorded in Scotland.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “In recent weeks we have seen steady progress as we move back to a greater sense of normality and a more sustainable way of managing this virus.
“However, our NHS is still under pressure and the most vulnerable members of our society can still benefit from additional measures to protect them from the virus.
“That is why although the use of face coverings will become guidance rather than a legal requirement I strongly recommend members of the public continue wearing face coverings in indoor settings where possible, and particularly when significant numbers of people are present.
“We should also all continue to follow the latest advice on hygiene, ventilation, testing and of course vaccination to protect ourselves and each other.”
People without Covid-19 symptoms will no longer be asked to take regular lateral flow tests from
Monday, April 18. The change forms part of the Test and Protect Transition Plan, which sets out how testing will become more targeted, with the aim of reducing serious harm from Covid-19.
The changes to Test and Protect mean that from Monday, April 18: Most people without symptoms will no longer be asked to take Covid-19 tests; Free lateral flow devices (LFDs) for the purposes of twice weekly routine testing will no longer be available for the general population given the changing advice, but will continue to be free for any purpose for which testing continues to be advised – for clinical care, for health and social care workers and for people visiting vulnerable individuals in care homes or hospitals; Until the end of April, people with symptoms should still isolate and get a PCR test; Vaccinated close contacts of someone with Covid-19 should continue to test daily for seven days with LFDs
People who have symptoms of Covid-19 will still be able to book PCR tests in the usual way until April 30. From that date, test sites will close and people with symptoms will no longer be advised that they need to seek a test. The public health advice for people who feel unwell will be to stay at home until they feel better, to reduce the risk of infecting other people.
