Police officers across Scotland now to be given face masks

The officers will wear the masks as they respond to incidents where it is not possible to stick to the social distancing measures

Police officers and staff across Scotland will now be given surgical face masks to wear as part of their PPE as it is not always possible for them to adhere to social distancing measures.

In response to advice from Health Protection Scotland, two types of masks are being distributed to the Police workforce across the country, the type 2 fluid resistant surgical mask for low risk situations and the FFP3 mask for those in contact with someone who is suspected or confirmed to have coronavirus.

A total of 4,000 Police Scotland officers and staff workers have been supplied with and trained how to use the FFP3 mask.

Police officers are now to be given face masks

Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: "We are committed to doing everything we can to protect the public and limit the spread of the virus, and to protect our own people as they carry out their duties.

“We recognise that every day our officers and staff are putting themselves in harm's way and we want them to have the right protection to do their job.

"In line with scientific advice, these surgical masks will be available for use as a precaution for officers and staff dealing with incidents where social distancing measures are not possible.

"Officers on routine patrol should not normally need to wear face masks, however they are being provided with the additional equipment to protect themselves, their colleagues and members of the public.

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