Covid curbs in Scotland will be lifted on Monday as the nation moves out of lockdown, Nicola Sturgeon has said.
The First Minister told a meeting of MSPs on Tuesday that Scotland would “move beyond Level 0” from Monday August 9.
But taking a cautious approach to Scotland's 'Freedom Day', the FM said face masks will be mandatory in some settings "for some time to come".
"Declaring freedom from or victory over this virus is in my view premature," she said, underlining that the impact of long Covid was not yet known.
She added: “We will keep this under review, but my expectation is that face coverings are likely to be mandated in law for some time to come.”
Face masks will have to be worn during lessons and the one-metre rule will stay in place when schools return.
She told MSPs: “We have also decided, after careful consideration, to retain the current requirements for face coverings in schools for staff and for children aged 12 or over.
“That includes asking young people and staff in secondary schools to wear face coverings during lessons and while inside school buildings.
“I am acutely aware that many young people find this difficult – and it will be kept under review – but for now, we consider this an important protection for them, and for others in the school."
Secondary pupils and school staff in Scotland will also asked to take a lateral flow test before they return, followed by regular testing in future.
Ms Sturgeon also said Test and Protect will continue, while homeworking will also still be advised by the Scottish Government.
She said: “I know most businesses are not planning a wholesale return to the office, while recognising that a return for some staff will be beneficial to them and their employers. It is vital that this gradual approach continues.
“We will also encourage employers to consider for the longer term, as the Scottish Government is doing, a hybrid model of home and office working – which may, of course, have benefits beyond the need to control a virus.”
The Scottish Government could yet back vaccine passports for access to some events, the FM added.
The First Minister told MSPs that an app is under development to allow for such certification for those travelling abroad, but it will also allow for vaccine certification domestically.
The First Minister said: “I can assure Parliament that we do not underestimate the ethical, equity and human rights issues associated with Covid-status certification and will keep members updated and consulted on our thinking on this issue.”
Vaccination may become “a feature of life”, Ms Sturgeon added.
The First Minister, who was updating MSPs on Tuesday, made the comment because of the decision to vaccinate some 12-17 year olds in Scotland, with the possibility of booster jabs for others, if they are recommended.
She said: “The vaccination programme, therefore, will continue for some time to come.
“But it has already saved many lives, and achieved a huge amount of success.
“I am grateful to everybody who has helped deliver it.”
