The legal requirement to wear face masks on public transport and most indoor public places in Scotland has ended.
This is the last legal requirement for COVID in Scotland that needs to be repealed – although the Scottish Government still recommends the use of face masks where appropriate.
The long-planned easing of the rules comes a day after Scotland’s first minister was notified by police after he appears to have broken the face mask rule while in the campaign.
Nicola Sturgeon was photographed uncovered as she greeted customers at a barber shop in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, on Saturday.
Image: First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, pictured in March, told police about Saturday’s incident
A Scottish police spokesman said: “We can confirm that we have received a complaint, which is currently being assessed.”
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.”
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.”
Dr Sandesh Gulhain, an MSP spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives, said Saturday’s incident showed that Ms Sturgeon “did not practice what she preached 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 should someone else,” she added.
As of today, the rules around Scotland’s testing and protection system have also changed.
Asymptomatic people are no longer required to take regular side-flow tests, and free twice-weekly routine testing devices will no longer be available to the general population.
By the end of April, Scots with COVID symptoms still need to be isolated and have a PCR test.
But as of April 30, the test sites will be closed and people with symptoms will no longer be notified that they need to seek a test.
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