The wearing of face coverings is to become mandatory in communal workplace areas, such as corridors, canteens and social spaces, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced today.

During a statement to Parliament, which was delivered virtually, the First Minister also announced that the business support scheme will start taking online applications from Tuesday 20 October.

In total, £40 million of support is available, including a £20 million grant fund which will be administered by local authorities.

Changes to face-covering regulations are:

• The wearing of face coverings in a workplace canteen, when not seated at a table, such as when queueing, entering or leaving the canteen (in line with other hospitality venues) – from Friday 16 October;
• The wearing of face coverings in other indoor communal workplaces, such as corridors and social spaces – from Monday 19 October; and
• Exemption for couples during their indoor marriage ceremony or civil partnership registration, providing there is a partition or 2 metres can be maintained between the couple and other people – Friday 16 October.

Existing COVID-19 restrictions will remain in place and will be kept under review.

The regulations for face coverings do not currently apply to school, early learning and childcare settings.