Scotland's face covering laws extended

The lifting of the legal requirement to wear face coverings in all settings in Scotland, including salons and during close contact services, which was due to take place on Monday 21st March has been delayed.

A current spike in COVID-19 infection rates in Scotland has led to a two-week extension in the regulation, which will be reviewed in a fortnight before the Easter recess.

Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said keeping the mandatory wearing of face coverings in place would help to protect the most vulnerable.

It is expected that the lifting of the regulation will now take place in early April.

However, all other COVID-19 legal requirements will be lifted on Monday, with businesses expected to take reasonable measures to protect staff and customers.

In addition, the collecting of client details for the purposes of contract tracing will end as a legal requirement on Monday 21st May.

The document Scotland's Strategic Framework Update provides guidance.

Updated 15.3.22