Significant rule changes surrounding face masks come into effect across Scotland on Monday after two years of coronavirus restrictions.
Face coverings are no longer a legal requirement in public places, including shops, public transport and other indoor settings.
This comes two weeks after the need to wear a mask in places of worship and at weddings and funerals was removed.
From Monday, the transition out of current testing guidelines will also begin.
Despite the legal changes, the first minister has said the wearing of face coverings in “certain indoor places” will still be encouraged – especially when there is a significant number of people.
So, what public places will still require face coverings to be worn? And will you still be able to get a free test?
Are face masks still be required in shops in Scotland?
Individual stores and supermarkets are expected to issue their own guidance on the wearing of face coverings for customers and staff, as they have done in England.
Morrisons has confirmed it “will be following government guidance” in its stores, so they will no longer be mandatory.
Staff and customers at Sainsbury’s stores in Scotland will be asked to wear a face covering if “they are able to”.
A spokeswoman for the supermarket said safety remains the “highest priority” and measures including sanitiser stations will stay in place.
South of the border, Tesco has asked its staff and customers to keep the face masks for a bit longer, while Asda, Lidl and Aldi have encouraged them but say it is personal choice.
What about on public transport?
When it comes to Covid guidelines on trains, ScotRail has said it has followed government advice throughout the pandemic and will continue to do so now.
A spokesman for the train operating company said anyone travelling on services should follow guidance which “recommends the wearing of face coverings”.
This applies to customers on trains and at stations.
Passengers travelling with First buses in Aberdeen are being given the choice of wearing a mask, while Stagecoach is “recommending” that face masks stay on when onboard.
A spokesman for First said: “At First Bus, the health, safety and comfort of our colleagues and customers are always our priority.
“With that in mind, customers may therefore choose to continue to wear a face covering on board our buses, especially when services are busy.
“We encourage everyone to respect their fellow passengers and look out for one another.”
In line with government guidance, Stagecoach confirmed it would be “recommending” that passengers wear face masks “when using our services wherever possible”.
Both bus companies have said they will keep enhanced cleaning and ventilation measures in place.
Do I need to wear a face mask on a plane?
The need to wear a mask onboard a flight will depend where you are flying to and from.
When the rules changed in England and Northern Ireland, EasyJet said masks would no longer be a requirement on certain flights.
On the website it states: “It may be helpful to have a mask with you, but wearing a mask is optional and your choice will be respected.”
Meanwhile, Loganair has said it will now “strongly recommend” rather than legally mandate the wearing of masks on its flights.
It will now be “the choice” of each customer and crew member, unless the charterer of specific flights has made a mask request.
It is probably best to check with your airline in advance.
Are face masks still required in hospitals?
NHS Grampian is “strongly encouraging” everyone to continue using a face covering.
This will apply to patients attending their GP practice and people visiting hospitals.
Health chiefs are asking people to view them as a “kindness” while Omicron is still present.
The health board is also reminding people that fluid repellent surgical masks will still be in use in hospitals and healthcare buildings, for patients, visitors, and staff alike.
NHS Highland has said it will continue to ask those attending health and social care settings to wear a mask.
Are face masks still required in care homes?
Care UK recommends that visitors to a care home wear a face covering.
Barchester has continued to ask visitors to its care homes in England to wear a mask, but they are not required when visiting a bedroom.
It is likely the healthcare company will follow the same approach in its homes across Scotland.
Cinemas and theatres in Scotland
When the wearing of face coverings became guidance in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Cineworld confirmed they would no longer be mandatory in its cinemas.
It is expected the same approach will be adopted in Scottish locations.
Vue cinemas continue to “encourage” the use of a face mask when film fans are not eating or drinking.
If you have a theatre trip planned, check the venue’s website in advance to see if they will still require you to wear a face mask.
Many theatres in England decided to retain masks when the restrictions were lifted.
Are free tests still available in Scotland?
From Monday, people who are well with no symptoms will no longer be advised to test twice a week.
In line with this change, lateral flow tests (LFDs) will no longer be freely available.
Pharmacies had previously stopped handing out LFDs for free and now they will only be available to order from the government website for those eligible.
This includes:
- Those who are fully vaccinated and have been in close contact with someone who tested positive
- People eligible to end self-isolation early so need to take tests on days six and seven
- Anyone eligible for Covid-19 treatments
- Those visiting a care home or hospital
- An unpaid carer
Anyone else who requires LFD tests will have to purchase them from locations such as Boots or Lloyds Pharmacy – for around £2 for one test.
Healthcare company Everything Genetic has announced a deal with Tesco to sell individual tests in more than 1,500 stores across the UK.
Anyone with symptoms will still be required to get a PCR test, but tests sites are expected to close at the end of the month.
Those with symptoms will then be advised to just stay at home if they are unwell rather than getting a test, and use of the Protect Scotland tracing app will stop.
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