Scotland’s mandatory face-covering rules will now remain in force until 18 April, Nicola Sturgeon has announced.

The legal requirement to wear masks in shops and on public transport had been expected to be lifted next week.

But the first minister told MSPs that the changes would now not take effect until 18 April.

She said this was due to there still being a very high level of infection in Scotland, and because masks provide extra protection.

However, the requirement to wear a face-covering in places of worship and while attending marriage and funeral services will end on 4 April.

Ms Sturgeon said this phased approach struck a “sensible balance between our desire to remove this one remaining legal measure and the common-sense need for continued caution”.

This is the second time the first minister has delayed lifting the face mask laws, which had originally been due to be removed on 21 March.

All of Scotland’s other legal restrictions have already been phased out.

Commenting on the First Minister’s Covid-19 update today, Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said:

“Scotland’s businesses want to see the removal of all remaining legal requirements linked to Covid-19. Continuous delays are deeply disappointing.

“Even with the phased approach now announced by the First Minister, Covid rules remain more stringent in Scotland now than in England or Wales and the lack of a four-nation approach is causing concern, particularly its impact on a potentially unequal economic recovery.

“Tourism, for example, will be hit by this decision as the prolonging of Covid-19 rules is likely to make Scotland less attractive than other destinations, just as people are starting to think about booking Easter, spring and summer breaks here.

“Businesses continue to be vigilant and do everything they can to keep their employees, clients, and customers safe, having already invested millions into preventative measures over the course of the pandemic.

“The Scottish Government accept we need to learn to live with the virus, however, pushing back decisions delays a return to normality and sustained economic recovery.”

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