Covid restrictions to be dropped by Easter
Masks being phased out over the coming weeks
The final Covid restrictions are set to be removed by Easter as the requirement to wear masks is phased out over the coming weeks.
The announcement was made by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in a statement to MSPs in Holyrood on Wednesday, confirming a further delay to the ending of the legal requirement to face coverings in shops and public transport, which was set to be removed next week.
Instead, the obligation for people to wear masks in places of worship and while attending marriage and funeral services will end from April 4 - but continued high infection rates being experienced across Scotland has led to a delay in other settings.
Face coverings will continue to be required in shops and other indoor settings until April 18, with Ms Sturgeon stressing that face coverings did provide an extra layer of protection against transmission of the virus.
After that date, the legal mandate to wear face coverings would be replaced with guidance.
The delay comes as another 161 cases were registered in Stirling at the last update on March 29 - with a total of 1,135 cases racked up in the week-long period from March 21 to March 27.
However, Ms Sturgeon said there was evidence that the current data was suggesting a possible peak in the latest wave in the next few weeks, with numbers in intensive care continuing to decline.
In her statement, the First Minister said: “This phased approach strikes a sensible balance between our desire to remove this one remaining legal measure, and the common sense need for continued caution - not least for the sake of the NHS - while this wave of infection subsides.
“I recognise that face coverings are an inconvenience.
“However, given all the sacrifice of the past two years, and in view of the current pressure on the NHS, I believe the vast majority of people will accept that for a further two weeks this is a proportionate precautionary measure, while we pass the peak of this latest wave.
“It also provides some further protection to those who are most at risk from the virus.”
The move was greeted with anger from hospitality chiefs, who are among the sectors where the mask requirement will remain in place until March 18.
Colin Wilkinson, managing director of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, said: “The lack of use of face coverings is already clearly evident in many settings and this extension of the restrictions will make little difference.
“We have already stated our view that Scotland not falling into line with England will confuse people – particularly visitors from south of the border.
“It is already confusing people and it is exceptionally unfair for business owners and their staff to have to remind people who are not familiar with our rules that they must wear a face covering.
“To say we are bitterly disappointed by today’s announcement is an understatement as we still face nearly three more weeks of restrictions.
“We had hoped that all restrictions would have been lifted ahead of the Easter weekend when hospitality businesses traditionally see an upsurge in business.”