Scottish Government withdraws COVID-19 specific face mask-wearing guidance

The Scottish Government has updated its guidance on the use of face masks and face coverings now Scotland has entered a calmer phase of the pandemic. The decision to withdraw extended face mask and face covering measures across health and social care settings is due to the high uptake of COVID-19 vaccinations amongst the Scottish population, reduced severity of illness and hospitalisations, and availability of treatments for COVID-19.

From Tuesday 16 May 2023, healthcare and social care staff will not routinely need to use Covid-19 face masks/covers. You should continue to follow section B39 of the Guidance for Professional Practice on when to use a face covering and the infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance on personal protective equipment (PPE) for standard infection control in the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM).