Face coverings in Scotland no longer mandatory after 18 April

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that face coverings will no longer be mandatory after 18 April (Easter Monday) in certain public places, including shops and licenced hospitality settings.  She 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.”

It was confirmed earlier this month that people without symptoms will no longer be asked to take regular lateral flow tests from 18 April. The change forms part of the Test and Protect Transition Plan, that mean from next week:

• most people without Covid-19 symptoms will no longer be asked to take regular tests
• free lateral flow tests (LFTs) for the purposes of twice weekly routine testing will no longer be available for the general population
• until the end of April, people with symptoms should still isolate and get a PCR test
• vaccinated close contacts of someone with Covid should continue to test daily for seven days with LFTs.