Pandemic mask rules will be scrapped in hospitals and social care settings
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SCOTLAND will return to its "pre-pandemic" mask rules within health and social care settings, the Scottish Government has confirmed.
People in health and social care settings will no longer be advised to wear facemasks from Tuesday (16 May).
The Scottish Government said the return to pre-pandemic guidance, during the current "calmer phase", means mask use will be based on clinical need, infection prevention and control advice.
As a result, staff, patients, service users and visitors will not be routinely asked to wear facemask.
The decision follows a recent review of the Covid-19 guidance and recognises that Scotland has entered a "calmer phase of the pandemic".
Chief Nursing Officer Alex McMahon said it was the "right time" to make the change, though he recognises that some staff may be wary of the change, and asked workplaces to provide support.
“Due to the success of vaccines in protecting people, and the availability of treatments, now is the right time to revise the advice on wearing masks in health and social care settings and return to pre-pandemic guidance," he said.
“We recognise that some staff may have concerns around the withdrawal of this guidance and would expect organisations to undertake individual occupational health assessments and risk assessments as appropriate.
“We continue to be vigilant in our response to Covid-19 and encourage everyone to make sure they are up to date with the boosters available to them.
"We are grateful for the tireless work of health and social care teams during these challenging times and to everyone who has helped them by adhering to the guidance.”
