What are the Scottish government’s recommendations on face masks?
Nicola Sturgeon advises people to wear covering in shops and other enclosed public places
The Scottish government has advised people to cover their faces while in some enclosed public spaces, such as shops and public transport.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that though it was “not a substitute” for lockdown restrictions, there could be “some benefit” in wearing face covering in sites where coronavirus social distancing was tricky.
She said she was referring to cloth garments such as scarves rather than the “medical grade facemasks” like those used by health and care workers.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sturgeon said: “To be clear, the benefit comes mainly in cases where someone might have the virus but is not aware of that because they are not experiencing symptoms and thus not isolating completely.
“Wearing a face covering in those circumstances may reduce the risk of that person transmitting the virus to others.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced takeon the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
The Scottish government’s advice states: “When applying or removing the covering, it is important that you wash your hands first and avoid touching your face.
“After each use, you must wash the face covering at 60 degrees centigrade, or dispose of it safely.”
The guidance also states that masks are “not being made mandatory and will not be enforced at this stage”.
The BBC’s science editor, David Shukman, says “dozens of governments are now urging - or ordering - their citizens to cover their faces in an effort to reduce this route of infection”.
Face masks are set to be compulsory on public transport in Germany, and in stores in Austria. Residents of Lombardy in Italy must cover their nose and mouth when outside.
But the Daily Express says the recommendation sees Sturgeon “defy” official coronavirus advice from Downing Street.
Number 10 said the government is still considering the scientific evidence for introducing similar advice. “Once a decision has been reached then we'll announce it publicly,” it said.
However, Michael Gove has revealed Britain is producing more cloth face coverings, which The Sun says suggests the advice “will go UK-wide in the near future”.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Why au pairs might become a thing of the past
Under The Radar Brexit and wage ruling are threatening the 'mutually beneficial arrangement'
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
'A direct, protracted war with Israel is not something Iran is equipped to fight'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Today's political cartoons - April 17, 2024
Cartoons Wednesday's cartoons - political anxiety, jury sorting hat, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Covid four years on: have we got over the pandemic?
Today's Big Question Brits suffering from both lockdown nostalgia and collective trauma that refuses to go away
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
The hollow classroom
Opinion Remote school let kids down. It will take much more than extra tutoring for kids to recover.
By Mark Gimein Published
-
Excess screen time is making children only see what is in front of them
Under the radar The future is looking blurry. And very nearsighted.
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Covid-19: what to know about UK's new Juno and Pirola variants
in depth Rapidly spreading new JN.1 strain is 'yet another reminder that the pandemic is far from over'
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Long-term respiratory illness is here to stay
The Explainer Covid is not the only disease with a long version
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Covid inquiry: the most important questions for Boris Johnson
Talking Point Former PM has faced weeks of heavy criticism from former colleagues at the public hearing
By The Week Staff Published
-
China's pneumonia cases: should we be worried?
The Explainer Experts warn against pushing 'pandemic panic button' following outbreak of respiratory illness
By Keumars Afifi-Sabet, The Week UK Published
-
Vallance diaries: Boris Johnson 'bamboozled' by Covid science
Speed Read Then PM struggled to get his head around key terms and stats, chief scientific advisor claims
By The Week UK Published