Nicola Sturgeon has announced plans to end face covering rules throughout Scotland.
A phased approach will begin next week to get rid of the legal obligation to wear face masks.
The First Minister confirmed the Scottish Government's two-stage plan that will see some rules axed as early as this coming Monday - April 4.
The updates come amid high Covid rates across Scotland which saw the country experience record case numbers in recent weeks.
The changes mean that Scots will no longer be required to wear face masks in shops, bars, restaurants and when on public transport.
Here are the key dates to note.
Face mask changes - April 4
From this Monday, April 4 it will no longer be a legal requirement in Scotland to wear a face covering when attending weddings, civil partnership ceremonies or funerals.
Rules will also be relaxed in places of worship meaning that attendees will no longer be legally required to wear a face mask.
From April 4, face masks are no longer required:
- during wedding ceremonies
- during civil partnership ceremonies
- at funerals
- in places of worship
Face mask changes - April 18
From April 18, further legal requirements applying to shops, certain other indoor settings and public transport will be axed.
The change means that Scots will no longer be required to wear a face mask when visiting restaurants and bars.
The First Minister explained that the phased approach is appropriate when the current coronavirus situation in Scotland is considered.
From April 18 Scots no longer have to wear face coverings:
- in restaurants, bars and other indoor hospitality settings
- on public transport
- in shops
- in all other public indoor places
The two-week delay between April 4 and a complex axing of face mask rules on April 18 was explained as a "proportionate precautionary measure while we pass the peak of this latest wave" by Nicola Sturgeon.
The FM admitted she understands that face masks as an "inconvenience" but added it is important people remember that Covid has not gone away.
The legal requirement to wear a face covering will be replaced by guidance with Scots urged to continue wearing a face mask in busy, indoor environments.
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