With 5,000 people across the north-east still “minimising contact” with others amid Covid, health bosses are encouraging people to keep wearing face coverings when restrictions lift.
From Monday, it will no longer be a legal requirement to wear a mask on public transport, in shops and other indoor settings.
The need to wear them in certain indoor settings, such as weddings and funerals, was lifted on April 4.
NHS Grampian chiefs are encouraging the public to consider them as a “kindness” and continue using them since the Omicron variant is still making its rounds.
Thousands anxious as restrictions ease
At the beginning of the pandemic there were more than 14,500 people in Grampian on the shielding list.
And it is estimated, based on national research, as many as 5,000 are still limiting their contact with others due to concerns about coronavirus.
The organisation’s director of public health, Susan Webb, said: “Discussions with vulnerable communities have highlighted anxieties about face mask usage by the general population time and again.”
High infection rates expected ‘well into’ spring
And while the rate of Covid infections in the area is slowing down, it’s expected we will be living with the impact of the virus for some time to come.
NHS Grampian’s head of health intelligence, Jillian Evans, said there has been a recent increase in hospitalisations and levels could remain high “well into spring”.
She added: “This virus is still circulating freely.
“Omicron, as the current dominant variant, may not be leading to serious illness in most cases, but it does still cause disruption to work life, school life, and just life in general.
“Choosing to wear a face-covering is an act of kindness for your local community.
“My mask protects you; your mask protects me.”
Distance Aware scheme
The health board is also supporting the voluntary Distance Aware scheme, which provides lanyards and pin badges to those who want to continue with physical distancing.
It’s aimed at helping those at the highest risk from Covid and others anxious about mixing with others as we adapt to living with Covid-19.
The Scottish Government-backed initiative is based on a similar scheme in Wales, with badges and lanyards available from most libraries, Asda stores and online.
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