Nicola Sturgeon announces date when face masks will be mandatory in shops

Nicola Sturgeon has announced face masks will be compulsory in shops.

Wearing face coverings will become mandatory in shops in Scotland from July 10, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "Face coverings in shops will be compulsory from the end of next week but please don't wait until then, get into the habit now."

Nicola Sturgeon wears a face mask for the visit to a New Look store at Fort Kinnaird, Edinburgh. Pictures: Jeff Mitchell/Getty

Speaking during the Scottish Government's daily coronavirus briefing, Ms Sturgeon said as people start to interact more it is "vital we take steps to reduce risks".

On social distancing measures, she said sticking to the two-metre rule has "serious economic implications".

From the end of next week, exceptions would be allowed for specific sectors to operate within a one-metre distance with mitigation measures.

These sectors include hospitality, retail and public transport.

But the general rule in law will be that businesses must take reasonable measures to ensure two-metre distancing is maintained, she said.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.

Subscribe to scotsman.com and enjoy unlimited access to Scottish news and information online and on our app. Visit https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy Yates

Editorial Director