Stricter rules on wearing face coverings come into force

New rules on the mandatory wearing of face coverings have come into force across Scotland.

Workers are now required to wear a mask in certain workplace settings, such as canteens.

The stronger regulations are in line with those put in place across the hospitality industry, meaning workers should not remove their face covering until they are sat at a table.

Further measures will be introduced on Monday, with workers expected to wear face coverings in corridors and communal areas.

Face coverings are already required in a number of public settings, including shops. They are also mandatory on public transport.

However, exemptions are in place, including for young children and people with certain health conditions.

As the laws on mask-wearing were beefed up, the First Minister stressed she wanted to “deliver some flexibility”.

In an easing of the rules, couples who are getting married will now no longer have to wear a face mask at their wedding.

Updating MSPs on the latest coronavirus measures on Thursday, Nicola Sturgeon said couples will be exempt from wearing a mask during their wedding or civil partnership ceremonies as long as they are partitioned or at least two metres away from anyone else.

Sturgeon said: “This is a small but important change which I hope will be welcomed by anyone about to tie the knot.”

All other existing coronavirus restrictions remain in place.