What difference will lifting face mask laws make? The party's public health spokeswoman, Sue Webber, said the confirmation that the restrictions would now be lifted was welcome but should have happened several weeks ago. "But I think, just as the vast majority of people have abided by all that we've asked of them over the last two years - not because politicians have been asking or the law necessarily has required it - because people understand that the best way to protect themselves and protect those they love is to abide by these really sensible, basic precautions against the spread of a virus. ", "Many hospitals have retained masking at significant financial and environment cost and despite the substantial barrier to communication," says senior author Dr. Aodhan Breathnach from St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London. The patient can be discharged from isolation early if they test negative on an antigen-based rapid test. Updated New additional guidance - hospital staff, How to support visitors and More information (questions and answers). Revised guidance to reflect removal of guide for care home settings. Mask wearing has been part of a package of infection control measures employed to reduce COVID-19 in hospitals throughout the pandemic. Get weekly and/or daily updates delivered to your inbox. Here's which Covid rules will end in Scotland and the date from which they will no longer be in place. The legal requirement to wear face coverings was dropped in England on 16 March, while from Friday lateral flow tests will only be free for over-75s and those with weakened immune systems. Photo: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire. After a delay to the easing of the final Covid restrictions in Scotland, the planned changes to the rules around face coverings are going ahead. Booster jags: Why AstraZeneca isnt used as a Covid booster vaccine - and if you can have a Pfizer booster after an AZ jab, Octogenarian to cycle 1,000-mile trek across Scotland in memory of her three children. It is strongly recommended that you wear a FRSM, (or face covering if a FRSM cannot be tolerated). The national clinical director was also asked about a video showing Nicola Sturgeon not wearing a face mask during a campaign visit to a barber's in East Kilbride. You can change your cookie settings at any time. The rules will apply to both students and staff unless exempt. "The thing I want to stress is the advice the public health advice is that for your safety and the safety of others, and so that as a community we can come out of this together, wear a mask in crowded places - very clear, very simple.". Legal mask rule in Scotland ends by 18 April - BBC News "My understanding is it was a matter of seconds. Covid: Law on wearing face masks in Scotland is lifted The national clinical director was also asked about a video showing Nicola Sturgeon not wearing a face mask during a campaign visit to a barber's in East Kilbride. The wearing of face masks is particularly important when patients are moving out with their immediate bed space, including when moving around a multi-occupancy room, a ward, department and/or hospital and when transferring between wards, departments and/or hospitals. "We are getting much less protection especially of the BA.2 subvariant because we need to inhale much fewer virus particles than we used to," Dr Tait-Burkard said. "So we should be acting as a community so everyone can go out in public and everybody can be safe.". The omicron variant was the dominant strain throughout the study period. "So we should be acting as a community so everyone can go out in public and everybody can be safe.". She and Humza Yousaf remain in denial of the fact that theyve been caught off guard by the extent of the demands on the NHS this winter, despite the fact that they were warned of what was looming well in advance. Astonishingly, she also claimed Humza Yousaf is doing a very good job as health secretary. There is not enough evidence to suggest medical-grade face masks protect vulnerable people from Covid, health officials have admitted. The low-tech, low-cost intervention without. These monoclonal antibody medicines lack or have diminished activity against the current circulating virus variants. Prof Jason Leitch says he is still worried about the "overwhelmed nature" of the health service. Anyone medically exempt from wearing a mask must present a Scottish Government Exemption Card other forms of exemption card will not be accepted. "But if we had a new variant in the future, the big scientific questions are: is it more transmissible? The rule easing came the day after Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was reported to police after footage showed her apparently breaching the country's Covid face mask law while on the council election campaign trail. In recent weeks we have seen steady progress as we move back to a greater sense of normality and a more sustainable way of managing this virus. You can change your cookie settings at any time. "In broader society we have taken away all of the legal measures with the exception of the continued requirement to wear face coverings, and in the health and care sector we want to continue to protect patients and staff from the risks of transmission, but we do recognise that that results in reduced capacity in our hospitals.". In Scotland home oxygen can only be prescribed by an authorised prescriber from the hospital. He said staff recruitment was important but retaining current staff was the priority. However, although the final coronavirus restriction in law has lifted, the Scottish Government is still strongly recommending that people continue to wear face coverings where appropriate as Covid-19 continues to spread. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Privacy Policy NHS Western Isles is also reminding patients to attend their appointments on time please do not arrive too early or too late. . Professor Linda Bauld, a public health expert and an advisor to the Scottish government, said she was worried about a new variant taking hold. With the infection rate now falling across the country, the government has confirmed the laws will be lifted. To view this content choose accept and continue. Clearing NHS backlog will take years, doctor warns, Russia launches pre-dawn missile attack on Ukraine, Chaos at port as thousands rush to leave Sudan, Air strikes pound Sudan capital as truce extended. The mandatory wearing of face coverings in enclosed public places was also to be converted to guidance at this stage, but Ms Sturgeon said it was prudent to keep it in place for "a further short period". . "The thing I want to stress is the advice the public health advice is that for your safety and the safety of others, and so that as a community we can come out of this together, wear a mask in crowded places - very clear, very simple.". But ministers decided to keep the rule on face coverings for an extra few weeks due to a spike in new cases. Although the Province's masking requirement for certain indoor settings has expired, the wearing of face masks will continue . Face coverings were still being worn by some at Glasgow's Queen Street Station on Monday, Some bus passengers were still opting to wear face masks on buses in Edinburgh, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. This is usually a respiratory consultant. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. Patient visitors, including birthing partners As of today, people are no longer legally required to wear a face mask in Scotland as the rule moved into guidance. Read about our approach to external linking. Replaced CNO letter with updated version. This beggars belief when he has lost the confidence of NHS staff and his flimsy recovery plan has been found desperately wanting. BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme, video showing Nicola Sturgeon not wearing a face mask, 'The heart of our family': The lives lost to Covid, MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo dies, Adidas sued by investors over Kanye West deal, Suspected IS chief killed in Syria, Turkey says, UK chip giant Arm files for blockbuster share sale, Pope urges Hungarians to 'open doors' to migrants, US bank makes last ditch bid to find rescuer. However, test sites will close at the start of May and people with symptoms will no longer be advised that they need to take a test. In cases where patients feel they cant tolerate wearing a face mask, the option of wearing a face covering should be available to them. Daily science news on research developments and the latest scientific innovations, The latest engineering, electronics and technology advances, The most comprehensive sci-tech news coverage on the web. All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except for graphic assets and where otherwise stated, most people without symptoms will no longer be asked to take COVID-19 tests, free lateral flow devices (LFDs) for the purposes of twice weekly routine testing will no longer be available for the general population given the changing advice, but will continue to be free for any purpose for which testing continues to be advised for clinical care, for health and social care workers and for people visiting vulnerable individuals in care homes or hospitals, until the end of April, people with symptoms should still isolate and get a PCR test, vaccinated close contacts of someone with COVID-19 should continue to test daily for seven days with LFDs. Alex said they will continue to maintain good hygiene practice, wiping surfaces and keeping the door open for ventilation. Scotland's national clinical director, Professor Jason Leitch, said coronavirus was now being dealt with through common sense and guidance, rather than law. Alix, assistant manager at Maia Gifts in Glasgow city centre, said business had been quiet while office workers have been working from home and tourism has been curtailed. The Scottish Government continues to strongly recommend the extended use of Fluid Resistant (Type IIR) Surgical Masks (FRSM) by healthcare staff, patients and visitors in all primary care settings, including optometry practices. However, the requirement to wear face masks at funerals and weddings was lifted on 4 April as planned. Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Meanwhile, Scottish Labours Jackie Baillie accused the First Minister of spending more time making excuses than addressing the health concerns. . Covid in Scotland: Legal requirement for face masks to end Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? The changes to Test and Protect mean that from 18 April: People who have symptoms of COVID-19 will still be able to book PCR tests in the usual way until 30 April. Speaking at a government briefing, she said: In addition to Covid, the country has been experiencing extraordinary levels of winter flu more than 1,000 patients were admitted to hospital with flu during each of the last two weeks. Covid: Law on wearing face masks in Scotland is lifted First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said anyone with symptoms of a respiratory infection a cold, flu or Covid should stay at home if possible and wear a face covering if they do need to go out. We would like to thank all staff, patients and visitors for their ongoing cooperationas we implement every step we can to keep our communities and staff safe. Using this guidance The guidance supports, but does not replace: individual expert clinical judgment local response arrangements "People are starting to come back in for work, so it's started to pick up again. Current, new and more information guidance sections updated to reflect latest position. "That's why we need to keep up a threshold of testing in Scotland and around the world - the PCR testing that we can genomically sequence to find those variants.". Face mask laws are to be replaced with guidance only in Scotland - making it the last UK nation to scrap the rules. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Scotland to be freed from face masks for the first time - The Telegraph . FACE masks will no longer be legally required in Scotland from next week, the Scottish Government has confirmed. Shadow health secretary Sandesh Gulhane said: Nicola Sturgeon was full of sympathy for let-down patients and warm words for over-stretched staff but there were precious few concrete measures to turn things around. However, she stressed that the NHS was still under pressure and the most vulnerable members of society could still benefit from people taking additional measures to protect them from the virus. But it strongly advised people to continue wearing masks in crowded indoor places and on public transport. The move had been delayed twice amid record levels of Covid cases and high numbers of people. 2023 BBC. Free lateral flow kits will no longer be available for the general population - although they will still be provided for clinical care, for health and social care workers and for people visiting vulnerable individuals in care homes or hospitals. COVID-19: Number in Scottish hospitals with virus hits new record Pregnant or breastfeeding women with non-severe COVID-19 should consult with their doctor to determine whether they should take this drug, due to likely benefits and a lack of adverse events having been reported. Staff should ensure that anyone who is not able to wear a face covering due to an existing medical condition is not forced to do so or refused treatment. Masks are recommended following a recent exposure to COVID-19, when someone has or suspects they have COVID-19, when someone is at high-risk of severe COVID-19, and for anyone in a crowded, enclosed, or poorly ventilated space. WHO continues to recommend the use of masks by the public in specific situations, and this update recommends their use irrespective of the local epidemiological situation, given the current spread of the COVID-19 globally. That will benefit patients, I think its important to note that first and foremost, but it will also free up much-needed capacity in hospitals.. It isstrongly recommended that you wear a FRSM (or your own face covering) when moving around (i.e. While she recognised that most of the capacity problems stem from the SNPs failure to tackle delayed discharge, she refuses to drop her reckless plans for a wasteful, centralised National Care Service. Professor Stephen Reicher, a behavioural psychologist at St Andrews University, said people should wear face coverings to protect vulnerable members of the community, rather than themselves. These masks have been approved for the use of staff and patients: This list is not exhaustive, and it will be for boards to judge who should have access to transparent face masks. From that date, test sites will close and people with symptoms will no longer be advised that they need to seek a test. The legal requirement to wear face coverings in many indoor settings in Scotland will end next Monday. WHO also reviewed the evidence on two other medicines, sotrovimab and casirivimab-imdevimab, and maintains strong recommendations against their use for treating COVID-19. MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo dies, Adidas sued by investors over Kanye West deal, Suspected IS chief killed in Syria, Turkey says, UK chip giant Arm files for blockbuster share sale, Pope urges Hungarians to 'open doors' to migrants, US bank makes last ditch bid to find rescuer. Video, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Prof Jason Leitch says he is still worried about the "overwhelmed nature" of the health service. *clinicians/community healthcare managers should apply judgement and consider if other IPC measures, such as hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and ventilation are sufficient depending on the patient/ resident/ clients condition and the care pathway. and Terms of Use. He acknowledged the daily case rate remained high but he told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme that vaccination and therapeutics had "changed the game". Is climate change killing Australian wine? What are the rules on face masks in Scotland? When seatedand after appropriate hand hygiene. How well have Scotland and the UK coped with Covid? Staff at hospitals across Scotland are facing capacity issues Covid rules are being phased out across the UK, with masks now only compulsory in health and social care settings in Wales. The move brings Scotland into line with the rest of the UK. The Scottish Government is also working with health boards to assess initiatives such as extending GP opening hours to Saturdays, as announced by NHS Lanarkshire last week. Patients who are being transferred or transported to hospital are also strongly encouraged to continue to wear a face mask. People in Scotland are still legally required to wear face coverings in shops and other indoor public places, and on public transport, The first minister had twice delayed the lifting of the laws, Free lateral flow tests will no longer be available for the general public, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. If going into a clinical area, FRSM should be worn. I think it's premature. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Play video Humza Yousaf is sworn in at the Court of Session Video. However, the country's remaining restrictions have continued to be phased out, with ministers pointing to the low number of people in intensive care - currently sitting at 20 - as evidence that vaccines are helping prevent severe illness. Boards should consider what other mitigations can be put in place. The Scottish Conservatives had previously criticised the delays in lifting the laws around shops, public transport and other indoor public places. People without symptoms are no longer required to take the regular tests, but PCR tests will be available to people with symptoms until the end of April. Previously, WHO advised that patients be discharged 10 days after symptom onset, plus at least three additional days since their symptoms had resolved. What date will Scottish face mask rules end? Prof Leitch said: "I haven't spoken to the first minister today, I imagine I'll speak to her later. Read about our approach to external linking. And vaccinated close contacts of someone with Covid should continue to test daily for seven days with lateral flow devices. Those eligible for an exemption card can obtain the card by visitingwww.exempt.scotor via the free helpline at 0800 121 6240. Legal mask rule in Scotland ends by 18 April. The hospital SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was adjusted by the underlying community infection rate identified by routine admission screening. For patients with symptoms, the new guidelines suggest 10 days of isolation from the date of symptom onset. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said anyone. when receiving oxygen therapy or when in labour and children aged under 5. Covid: Law on wearing face masks in Scotland is lifted WHO updates COVID-19 guidelines on masks, treatments and patient care Staff should consider, wherever possible, physical distancing if the FRSM removed. The table below sets out when FRSMs should be worn in hospitals: It is strongly recommended that you wear a FRSM at all times whenproviding direct patient care unless an FFP3 respirator is required in line with national guidance. after a risk assessment when the person they are supporting/caring for is showing signs of distress. All rights reserved. Hopefully the masks will be another wee boost for us," she said. Sturgeon was speaking at a briefing alongside health secretary Humza Yousaf and the deputy chief medical officer Graham Ellis. Both ScotRail and the ferry operator CalMac are strongly recommending that passengers continue to wear face coverings. The analysis found that during a general community surge in SARS-CoV-2 infection in June 2022, removal of the mask policy was not associated with a statistically significant change in the rate of hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection in the study groupwith SARS-CoV-2 infection no higher than the rate when masks were obligatory. Ms Sturgeon said the country had made steady progress towards a greater sense of normality and a more sustainable way of managing the virus. wear a well-fitting face covering made with multiple layers or a surgical face mask if you do leave home or in shared areas in your home, especially if you live with someone . Face coverings were still being worn by some at Glasgow's Queen Street Station on Monday, Some bus passengers were still opting to wear face masks on buses in Edinburgh, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Professor Stephen Reicher, a behavioural psychologist at St Andrews University, said people should wear face coverings to protect vulnerable members of the community, rather than themselves. ", Russia launches pre-dawn missile attack on Ukraine, Chaos at port as thousands rush to leave Sudan, Air strikes pound Sudan capital as truce extended. What's more, the authors did not observe a delayed effect, with no change in the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate during the time when the mask-wearing policy was removed (weeks 26 to 40). "The surgical and cotton masks just allow for a little more of the virus to get through. "This was frustrating for many people and damaging for businesses.". All of Scotland's other legal restrictions have already been lifted. Police Scotland confirmed it had received a complaint and said it was being assessed. Professor Linda Bauld, a public health expert and an advisor to the Scottish government, said she was worried about a new variant taking hold. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details to third parties. The matter has been reported to Police Scotland. 2023 BBC. A video posted on social media appeared to show her not wearing a mask during a visit to a barber's in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, on Saturday. Dr Christine Tait-Burkard, a leading infections expert at University of Edinburgh, told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland masks should still be worn in high risk environments such as public transport and healthcare settings but legal enforcement should be dropped. She said: Faced with the most difficult winter in NHS history, the SNP are deflecting blame and rehashing the same old promises they have been making for years. Published. During the pandemic, many people have been waiting before approaching the health service with their illness. compromises clinical care (e.g. The latest spike in cases and hospitalisations in Scotland has been driven by the BA.2 Omicron variant of Covid. The move brings Scotland into line with the rest of the UK. Read about our approach to external linking. Before the weekend, coronavirus hospital cases in Scotland were still at more than 2,000. To keep our patients and staff safe, NHS Western Isles is requiring all staff, visitors and those attending healthcare appointments at our hospitals and other premises to wear a clinical face mask on entry to the premises. A leading infections expert told the BBC masks should still be worn on public transport and in healthcare settings when legal enforcement are dropped. The best available scientific evidence is that, when used correctly, facemaskscan provide some additional protection, especially in crowded and less well-ventilated spaces, and where 2 metre distancing is not possible. "In general we're hoping that people will be more comfortable coming into the city centre, having a bit more of a wander, branching out a bit more," she said. However, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, as part of their inspections process in hospitals, will observe compliance of this guidance.