Covid LIVE: Nicola Sturgeon says face masks will remain in place in Scotland | Covid cases rising, ONS data shows
Despite Covid infections in Scotland being at their highest level since records began in Autumn 2020, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the First Minister is expected to announce the lifting of the majority of remaining restrictions.
Legal restrictions such as the requirement to wear masks in shops and on public transport were due to end on 21 March and changed to guidance.
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Hide AdLaws requiring face coverings to be worn on public transport and some other settings in Scotland will not be scrapped next week as planned, Nicola Sturgeon has announced, with the First Minister saying it is “prudent” for this to remain in place given the “current spike in case numbers”.
At the moment, businesses are legally required to take steps to reduce the spread of Covid, including physical distancing and screens.
That is also expected to end on March 21, as will the legal requirement to retain customers' contact details.
Follow this live blog for all the latest and major announcements as Nicola Sturgeon speaks to Parliament on Tuesday at around 2.20pm.
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Covid LIVE: Nicola Sturgeon to announce final restriction easing in Scotland
Key Events
- Face mask requirement remains until April as Covid cases rise
- Social distancing rules in shops and other indoor public settings will be lifted next Monday, as will the requirement for venues to collect contact details for customers
- Covid infections in Scotland being at their highest level since records began in Autumn 2020, ONS data shows
UK Government support for “super sponsor” scheme “in principle”
Uk Government has now indicated support for Scottish Government’s super sponsor scheme in principle, however, she said it may be “some time” until Scots can welcome Ukrainians.
Nicola Sturgeon added the UK Government has committed to working with the Scottish Government towards the scheme’s “immediate launch” alongside the wider Homes for Ukraine UK scheme.
Ms Sturgeon said this was a “positive step” and she hopes it will allow Scotland to welcome 3,000 Ukrainians to Scotland “very soon”.
When and how to watch Nicola Sturgeon’s update?
Nicola Sturgeon will give an update on the Covid situation in Scotland at 2.20pm on Tuesday in the Scottish Parliament.
As you follow The Scotsman’s live blog, you can watch the update live over at Scottish Parliament TV here.
Restrictions expected to end
From March 21, it is expected that the legal requirement to wear face coverings in shops, hospitality venues and public transport will be downgraded to guidance.
The government is still strongly recommending that people continue to wear masks in these locations.
At the moment, businesses are legally required to take steps to reduce the spread of Covid, including physical distancing and screens.
That will also end on March 21 and as will the legal requirement to retain customers’ contact details.
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