Rules on face coverings in Scotland will be lifted next week, the Scottish Government has confirmed.
The legal requirements to wear a face mask in a public setting will be phased out from Monday and replaced with guidance.
The measure is the last of Scotland’s Covid restrictions to be abolished as the country recovers from the pandemic.
From Monday, Scots will no longer be requirement to wear face coverings in most indoor public spaces and on public transport.
Scottish Government ministers have now confirmed the decision after keeping it under review since First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the plans.
The announcement comes just two weeks after similar changes were made to the use of face coverings in places of worship, weddings, civil ceremonies and funerals.
Despite the change, Ms Sturgeon is urging people to continue wearing masks to help protect frontline workers and vulnerable members of society.
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.
Face coverings still recommended
“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.”
She added: “We should also all continue to follow the latest advice on hygiene, ventilation, testing and of course vaccination to protect ourselves and each other.”
Data shows the situation has generally improved but Covid has not gone away with around 5,000 cases reported daily.
A total of 5,513 new positive cases were identified by health boars in the latest 24 hours.
