Nicola Sturgeon has announced that face masks will remain part of everyday life in Scotland "for some time to come".
The First Minister confirmed the lockdown levels system will be scrapped from August 9 as covid cases continue to tumble and more people are fully vaccinated against the virus.
Laws requiring some venues such as nightclubs to close will also be ditched and physical distancing indoors will no longer be legally enforced.
But Scots will still be expected to wear face coverings in certain indoor settings such as shops and while on public transport.
Pupils at secondary schools will also be required to follow one metre distancing rules while indoors and also wear face coverings for at least the first six weeks of the new term.
Speaking at a virtual session of the Scottish Parliament, Sturgeon said: "Declaring freedom from, or victory over, this virus is premature.
"The harm the virus can do, including through the impact of long Covid, should not be underestimated. And its ability to mutate may yet pose us real challenges.
"So even as we make this move today, care and caution will still be required, and that is why I want to focus now on the protections and guidance that will remain in place after 9 August.
"Firstly, it will continue to be the law, subject to existing exemptions, that face coverings must be worn in all the same indoor settings as is the case now.
"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."
It comes as the number of positive covid cases being reported each day in Scotland has dropped by two-thirds in the last month.
The Scottish Government is also continuing to consider the use of vaccine passports for access to some events, Sturgeon said.
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.
She 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.”
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