Nicola Sturgeon has announced that face masks will continue to be mandatory in public in Scotland "for some time to come".
In her update confirming that Scotland will move to Level O restrictions from next Monday the First Minister made it clear that the use of face coverings inside and on public transport would remain in place.
The stance is in contrast to the controversial decision by Prime Minister Boris Johnson to drop the legal requirement for face masks in England from next Monday, leaving it up to individuals to decide in most instances if they should wear one.
Sturgeon explained that dispensing with the need for face masks would force vulnerable and previously shielding people back into isolation.
She said: "Certain mitigations, such as the mandatory wearing of face coverings will remain in place, not just now but in all likelihood for some time to come.
“It is important to stress that measures like the continued wearing of face coverings are important not just to give added protection to the population as a whole, but also to get protection on the assurance to those amongst those who are particularly vulnerable and previously had to shield.
“Lifting all restrictions and mitigations right now would put all of us at greater risk, but in particular it would make it much more difficult for the most clinically vulnerable to go about their normal life.
"It would risk the imposition of shielding by default and in my view that is not something we should do.
Addressing those at "at the highest clinical risk", the FM said: "I know that many of you feel anxious about any easing of restrictions - particularly if you cannot have the vaccine, or have conditions, or are on treatments, that suppress your immune system.
'The Scottish Government is very aware of that. We will not abandon you."
"For as long as necessary we will ask people to take sensible precautions - like the wearing of face coverings - to allow you, like everyone else, to enjoy more normal life again."
