Ms Sturgeon had already apologised in December 2020 after breaking COVID rules by taking off her face mask at a funeral service, calling it a “stupid mistake”. However, some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they don`t need to wear a face covering. This can take the form of an exemption card, a badge or even a homemade sign. The legal obligation for businesses to take measures to reduce the spread of Covid, including physical distancing and screens, ended on March 21. Face coverings are not required by law in the hospitality industry as they cannot be worn when you eat and drink. They are also not required by law in exercise facilities such as gyms, dance studios, swimming pools or leisure centers (see the section “If you do not need to wear a face covering” below). It is recommended to make face coverings from fabrics or other textiles and to have two, preferably three layers thick, according to WHO recommendations. If a site or part of a site is used for an event where the main activities include eating, drinking and dancing, wearing a face covering is not required. Face coverings must be worn in the common areas of premises that are not used for the event, for example in the lobby of a hotel, if an event takes place in a conference room. In the UK, face coverings are sold online and in stores by a large number of retailers. Due to the multitude of different ways in which covid-19 can spread and growing knowledge about the effectiveness of face masks and face coverings, there is currently no binding UK product standard for face coverings.
It is strongly recommended to continue wearing face coverings where appropriate – even in crowded indoor spaces and on public transport – as the public is advised to continue to take reasonable precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19. When someone with COVID-19 breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes, they release particles (droplets and aerosols) that may contain the virus that causes COVID-19. These particles can be inhaled by another person. Viruses can also be absorbed by surfaces where particles land when you touch that surface and then your face without washing your hands first. For this reason, regular hand hygiene is always important to control the spread of the virus, as well as other winter insects. If you cannot wear a face covering and would like to let others know, you can download a Scotland face covering exemption card. The Scottish Government said it showed that the situation had generally improved in recent weeks, but the virus had still not gone away – with the NHS continuing to face significant pressure. Driving instructors and examiners working on a car or truck driving lesson or test must wear a face covering.
Dr Sandesh Gulhane MSP, the Scottish Conservatives` health spokesman, said Saturday`s incident showed Ms Sturgeon “is not practicing what she preaches about face masks”. The long-planned relaxation of the rules comes a day after Scotland`s first minister was reported to police after breaching the face mask rule during the election campaign. However, the requirement to wear face masks at funerals and weddings was lifted as planned on April 4. Humza Yousaf told BBC Scotland that the legal restriction could not be maintained “one minute longer than necessary”. However, there will always be “very strong instructions” on wearing face masks, and he has “great confidence” in the vast majority of Scots to follow this. Face coverings with multiple layers that fit tightly around the face work best. It is important that any face covering is worn properly and treated with care. A face covering should: Many in the parish of St. Andrews Cathedral in Glasgow continued to wear a face covering on Monday.
The face covering laws were originally due to be repealed on March 21, with the prime minister initially deciding to postpone the move until April 4 – before later announcing another two-week delay. Wearing a face covering is also not mandatory on the premises or in any part of a site where the main activity is eating, drinking, playing sports or dancing. This can include venues where wedding receptions or musical events take place, as well as restaurants, pubs, bars and nightclubs. This is because it is not practical for people to wear a face covering when eating or drinking, and it is not recommended to wear a face covering when engaging in strenuous activities, including playing sports and dancing. If you have an age, health or disability reason why you don`t wear a face covering: Most transportation workers don`t have to wear a face covering. However, face coverings offer some advantages, especially in crowded and closed environments. The Prime Minister added: “Although the law no longer requires face coverings, I will continue to do so in circumstances where it can help reduce the risk of infection and I encourage everyone to do the same.” For other interiors, employers and businesses should consider asking their employees, customers or visitors to wear a face covering.