Face coverings now compulsory in Scotland's shops

Coronavirus: Face coverings now compulsory in Scotland’s shops

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Wearing a face covering is now compulsory in shops across Scotland.

People with certain medical conditions or disabilities, and children under five, will be exempt.

Face coverings are already mandatory on public transport including buses, trains, trams, planes and taxis.

The Scottish government has said it hopes using face coverings will provide an additional layer of protection to lower the risk of coronavirus being transmitted.

But it insists face coverings are not a substitute for other measures to stop the virus from spreading, such as physical distancing and hand washing.

‘Take personal responsibility’

Police Scotland said it was asking people to “take personal responsibility to do the right thing”.

It warned that it would enforce the law on face coverings but only as a last resort. In the first instance, anyone wishing to raise a concern should do so with shop staff.

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ACC Gary Ritchie said: “We are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to stay safe, protect others and save lives by preventing the virus from spreading.

“Our officers will continue to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance and encourage compliance. We will use enforcement as a last resort only where there is a clear breach of the legislation.

“A number of exemptions exist that mean certain people are not required to wear a face covering in a shop.

“We would encourage people to raise any concerns with business owners or staff in the first instance.”

Quarantine lifted but not on Spain

Passenger at Heathrow international arrivalsImage copyrightAFP

From Friday, travellers arriving in the UK from dozens of countries no longer have to self-isolate for two weeks.

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The rules are being relaxed for arrivals from more than 60 countries and British overseas territories.

However, Scotland’s list of countries is slightly different to the list for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Also Read: Coronavirus: Quarantine rules end for dozens of destinations

For example, Scotland still requires people from Spain and Serbia to quarantine.

Travellers arriving into Scotland via an English port or airport will still need to quarantine if they have been in a country which is not on the exemption list.

Indoor meetings allowed again

stock photo - Close up of grandparents watching a movie together with their grandchildrenImage copyrightGETTY IMAGES

For the first time since March, people in Scotland will now be allowed to go into another person’s house.

Adults should continue to practice physical distancing with those they do not live with.

But children aged under 12 will no longer be expected to observe these restrictions.

The changes were confirmed on Thursday as the country entered phase three of easing the lockdown.

In this phase, eight people from a maximum of three different households can meet indoors.

Adults are being advised not to meet people from any more than four different households in any single day.

Overnight stays are allowed, as long as adults maintain physical distancing between different households.

Female hands in orange rubber gloves cleaning on touching surface of door, doorknob with blue microfiber cleaning cloth and green spray bottle - stock photoImage copyrightGETTY IMAGES

Surfaces should be cleaned after touching, and everyone must continue to wash their hands regularly.

People who are part of a non-cohabiting couple will no longer need to stay physically distant from each other, indoors or outdoors.

In addition, people who are shielding will no longer have to distance themselves from others living in the same house.

Source: BBC News

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