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Nicola Sturgeon reports to police after SNP leader appears to be “violating face mask law” | Political news

Nicola Sturgeon was reported to police after footage apparently filmed her violating COVID’s face mask measures in Scotland during the council’s election campaign.

A video posted on social media shows that Scotland’s first minister is not wearing a face while visiting a barber shop in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, on Saturday.

There is currently a legal requirement to wear a mask in most indoor public places in Scotland, including shops, public transport and hairdressing salons, due to COVID-19.

In the video, Ms. Sturgeon appears to be uncovered as she mixes with clients and pats a man’s head in a barber chair, mimicking the sound of an electric razor.

In a separate video posted on her official Twitter account, Ms. Sturgeon wears a tartan face mask for her visit to Iconic Gents Hair, which shows her shaving a man’s beard.

Image: Police receive complaint about footage that apparently filmed Ms. Sturgeon violating COVID rules

A Scottish police spokesman said: “We can confirm that we have received a complaint, which is currently being assessed.”

The legal requirement to wear a face mask indoors in Scotland will fall on Monday.

However, the Scottish Government urges people to continue wearing them when appropriate.

Responding to reports, a SNP spokesman said: “The first minister was invited to the barbershop during an outdoor visit to the street.

“Within seconds, she realized she hadn’t put her mask back on, and she put it on right away.”

A spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives in Health, Dr Sandesh Gulhane, MSP, said: “The video clearly shows that Nicola Sturgeon does not practice what he preaches on face masks.

“She is happy to signal official photos, but behind closed doors it is clear that she does not believe in her own rules, so why need someone else.

Dr Gulhane continued: “The public, which has been under these legal restrictions of COVID for more than two years, deserves an apology for this breach of the rules.”

Earlier, Ms. Sturgeon apologized in December 2020 for violating COVID rules by removing her face mask at a funeral, describing it as a “stupid mistake.”

The Scottish government has said Saturday’s incident with the first minister was a problem for the party.