Police officers in Edinburgh and across Scotland are to be given surgical masks to wear when they respond to incidents where social distancing isn't possible.
Officers across Scotland will be supplied with a type of fluid resistance surgical mask in response to advice from Health Protection Scotland.
The piece of equipment is also known as a FFP3 mask and is often used in hospitals by doctors and nurses performing a surgery.
According to Police Scotland, 4,000 officers and staff have already been trained and supplied with FFP3 respirators masks.
Police will still be able to choose if they want to wear the mask or not when attending to "low-risk situations."
Officers and staff who are in contact with someone with suspected or confirmed coronavirus are now recommended to wear the protective mask.
Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: "We are committed to doing everything we can to protect the public and limit the spread of the virus, and to protect our own people as they carry out their duties.
“We recognise that every day our officers and staff are putting themselves in harm's way and we want them to have the right protection to do their job.
"In line with scientific advice, these surgical masks will be available for use as a precaution for officers and staff dealing with incidents where social distancing measures are not possible.
"Officers on routine patrol should not normally need to wear face masks, however they are being provided with the additional equipment to protect themselves, their colleagues and members of the public.
“The procurement of protective equipment continues to be challenging due to demand from across the emergency services but we are working hard to secure a sustainable supply of the masks for our people.”
