An Edinburgh teenager has slated people for not wearing masks outside after he said he was hospitalised with COVID-19.
Nineteen-year-old Alex Paterson described how he was left struggling to breathe and fearing for his life after he was stuck down with the virus three months ago.
The Edinburgh University student posted a picture of himself online saying: “Here's a picture of me in hospital three months ago, struggling to get oxygen to my lungs, worrying that COVID would kill me.
"But do tell me why you won't wear a mask in a shop because you ‘don't like them’ or because you ‘don't like that you're being forced to wear one’.”
Alex said he was hospitalised after showing symptoms of the disease but he has nearly fully recovered – with just a bit of a cough left over.
On his website Alex says he is a linguist who loves to travel, is aged 19 and is currently studying at Edinburgh University.
Speaking on Twitter he added: “I understand and appreciate that some can't wear them due to medical conditions, such as asthma, but people who can wear one, wear one.
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“Alternatively, don't go near any shops.”
As of 22 June, face coverings are now mandatory on all public transport in Scotland.
Speaking at her daily briefing in Edinburgh on Thursday (2 July), Ms Sturgeon said: “I can confirm today that from the expected start of phase three, which is July 10 next week, wearing face coverings will also be mandatory in shops.
“Children under five will be exempt from this rule, along with those with certain medical conditions. For everyone else, face coverings will be mandatory.
