Courts to enforce use of face masks
People attending courts and tribunals will be asked to wear face cove rings from Monday to help reduce the risk of spreading infection amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service( SC T S) said it continued to expect people using its buildings to maintain two metre physical distancing and is introducing face coverings as an additional measure.
Those visiting its pr em ises from Monday are strongly advised to wear face coverings when entering and leaving the building, while moving around the building, or while waiting in communal areas such as reception points, witness rooms or outside a courtroom.
The move comes as the Scottish Government announced that secondary school pupils should wear face coverings when moving around schools and on dedicated school transport from Monday.
Masks are compulsory in many indoor settings in Scotland, including shops, on public transport and in places such as cinemas, ga ll eries, museums, libraries and banks.
SCTS chief executive Eric Mc Queen said :“The SCTS remains committed to pro - tecting the health and safety of all those who need to attend court and tribunal premises.
“In order to reduce the risk of infection spread, we are strongly advising all users and visitors to our buildings, to wear a face covering to protect themselves and others.”
The court service said that people should bring their own face coverings if they can, but that suitable face coverings can be provided if required.