When can facemasks stop being worn in Scotland as Covid rules set to ease

Wearing a mask has been part of a daily routine for nearly two years now. Under current rules mean that you have to wear a face covering whenever you enter an indoor public setting.

Whether it be popping to the shops or travelling on public transport, face coverings have been an essential part of Scotland's fight against Covid.However, later this month the rules are changing which means the legal requirement for face masks will cease to exist.

Here is all you need to know about the change in face mask rules. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced last month that the current Covid measures in Scotland will no longer be legal requirement.

This means that from March 21, by law, Scots will not need to wear a face covering.However, the FM stated that wearing face masks in shops and other indoor public places will still be "strongly recommended" by the Scottish Government.The change means that Scotland's rules will now be in line with those in England where face masks have not been legally required in indoor public settings since the end of January this year.In the update, Nicola Sturgeon said: "As of March 21 - assuming no significant adverse developments in the course of the virus - we expect that the legal requirement to wear face coverings in certain indoor settings and on public transport will be converted to guidance."However, we will continue to strongly recommend the wearing of face coverings in shops and other indoor public places, and on public transport."We also expect on March 21 to lift the legal requirement for businesses, places of worship and service providers to have regard to Scottish government guidance on covid, and to take reasonably practicable measures set out in the guidance."