Nicola Sturgeon confirms face covering rule will be scrapped in Scotland next week

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed the requirement to wear a face mask on public transport and in most indoor public spaces will be lifted next week.

The First Minister is still urging Scots to continue to wear a covering in an enclosed space in a bid to stop the spread of covid across the country.

From Easter Monday, April 18, all covid regulations will be dropped in Scotland as the country tries to live with the deadly virus.

Scotland has recorded 28 coronavirus -linked deaths and 5,513 cases in the past 24 hours, according to latest figures. It means the total number of people who have died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 has risen to 11,734.The number of cases in the figures published on Wednesday is up from 4,958 the previous day.Public Health Scotland (PHS) data on Wednesday showed that 2,110 people were in hospital with recently confirmed Covid-19, down 10 on the previous day, with 23 in intensive care, no change.Sturgeon 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. “We should also all continue to follow the latest advice on hygiene, ventilation, testing and of course vaccination to protect ourselves and each other.” To sign up to the Daily Record Politics