Legal coronavirus requirement for face masks in Scotland to be dropped from next week

The legal requirement to wear masks in most indoor public spaces and on public transport will be dropped from Easter Monday.

The law will be replaced by guidance, with people “strongly recommended” to wear face coverings in crowded indoor spaces and on public transport.

It follows record-breaking highs in cases of Covid-19 and numbers in hospital wards.

However, the First Minister said data shows the situation with coronavirus has improved although more than 5000 cases are still being recorded daily.

“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,” Nicola Sturgeon said.

“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.”

At the end of March, Sturgeon pushed back the relaxation on the requirement for face masks amid rocketing case numbers.

However, exceptions were introduced for those in places of worship or while attending a marriage ceremony, a civil partnership registration, or a funeral service or commemorative event.

Some 396,800 people were estimated to have had the virus in Scotland in the week ending April 3, or around one in 13.

Infections in the rest of the UK remain near or at record levels, with only Scotland seeing a slight decrease in numbers.