WHO continues to recommend the use of masks by the public in specific situations, and this update recommends their use irrespective of the local epidemiological situation, given the current spread of the COVID-19 globally. Including when receiving direct care or receiving visitors. The Scottish Licensed Trade Association had described the previous delays as "bitterly disappointing", arguing many people were already failing to wear masks so keeping the law in place would make little difference. People in Scotland are no longer legally required to wear face coverings in crowded indoor places like shops and restaurants, or on public transport. It is strongly recommended that you wear a FRSM/face covering atall timeswhen not seated and eating. People without symptoms are no longer required to take the regular tests, but PCR tests will be available to people with symptoms until the end of April. "People are starting to come back in for work, so it's started to pick up again. However,. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? "So we should be acting as a community so everyone can go out in public and everybody can be safe.". There will also be instances of staff who may suffer from breathing difficulties, or suffer from genuine discomfort or distress when wearing a FRSM. To only allow the cookies that make the site work, click 'Use essential cookies only.' Which is actually what we're asking people to do. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said anyone with symptoms of a respiratory infection a cold, flu or Covid should stay at home if possible and wear a face covering if they do need to go out. Some 2,344 people are in hospital with the virus in Scotland, according to . Community cases of the virus are falling but the number of Covid-positive hospital patients remains high. Video, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, New record as one in 11 Scots had Covid last week, Covid pressure on hospitals 'as serious as it gets', waiting times at accident and emergency rooms hitting a record high on Tuesday, The UK's last remaining Covid restrictions, MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo dies, Adidas sued by investors over Kanye West deal, Suspected IS chief killed in Syria, Turkey says, UK chip giant Arm files for blockbuster share sale, Pope urges Hungarians to 'open doors' to migrants, US bank makes last ditch bid to find rescuer. What difference will lifting face mask laws make? Shadow health secretary Sandesh Gulhane said: Nicola Sturgeon was full of sympathy for let-down patients and warm words for over-stretched staff but there were precious few concrete measures to turn things around. However, patients should be strongly encouraged to also wear face masks when in bed as much as possible. "My understanding is it was a matter of seconds. Published. Cases in Scotland's hospitals have also been rising, with 2.344 patients . Meanwhile, Scottish Labours Jackie Baillie accused the First Minister of spending more time making excuses than addressing the health concerns. But it can also be prescribed by a paediatrician, neurologist or cardiologist. Guidance for staff within acute hospitals, community hospitals, primary care and wider community healthcare, together with advice for visitors, including those attending for an appointment. These masks have been approved for the use of staff and patients: This list is not exhaustive, and it will be for boards to judge who should have access to transparent face masks. SCOTS are no longer legally required to wear face masks on public transport and in most indoor public spaces as the rule moved into guidance on Monday. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said a fortnight ago that she expected the face covering rules to be lifted on Easter Monday. Professor Stephen Reicher, a behavioural psychologist at St Andrews University, said people should wear face coverings to protect vulnerable members of the community, rather than themselves. vaccination clinic), individuals own face coverings will not be permitted. April 28, 2023 | 10:26 AM. To keep our patients and staff safe, NHS Western Isles is requiring all staff, visitors and those attending healthcare appointments at our hospitals and other premises to wear a clinical face mask on entry to the premises. Posters to support this can be foundon the Public Health Scotland website. You may want to read Twitters cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. Your cookie preferences have been saved. "The guidance is if you are in a crowded area inadvertently or deliberately, then put a face covering on and that will protect you and others. Similar to previous recommendations, WHO advises that there are other instances when a mask may be suggested, based on a risk assessment. People in Scotland are no longer legally required to wear face coverings in crowded indoor places like shops and restaurants, or on public transport. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser. Present within and moving around clinical areas/ communal areas in hospital and primary/community healthcare settings. You can change your cookie settings at any time. 18 April 2022. That said, Covid, and I think we know and understand it, represented a significant shock to the system and its ongoing impact together with associated backlogs, coupled with extraordinary levels of other illnesses this winter, is creating pressure that is truly unprecedented.. The testing regime has also changed, with free lateral flow tests no longer available to the general population. Read about our approach to external linking. I think it's premature. Police Scotland confirmed it had received a complaint and said it was being assessed. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. While she recognised that most of the capacity problems stem from the SNPs failure to tackle delayed discharge, she refuses to drop her reckless plans for a wasteful, centralised National Care Service. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. This includes continuing to wear face coverings in places such as indoor . Those eligible for an exemption card can obtain the card by visitingwww.exempt.scotor via the free helpline at 0800 121 6240. There are currently 6 proven treatment options for patients with COVID-19, three that prevent hospitalization in high-risk persons and three that save lives in those with severe or critical disease. The Scottish Government continues to strongly recommend the extended use of Fluid Resistant (Type IIR) Surgical Masks (FRSM) by healthcare staff, patients and visitors in all primary care settings, including optometry practices. Masks are recommended following a recent exposure to COVID-19, when someone has or suspects they have COVID-19, when someone is at high-risk of severe COVID-19, and for anyone in a crowded, enclosed, or poorly ventilated space. With the infection rate now falling across the country, the government has confirmed the laws will be lifted. The idea that we can just treat this like a bad cold and go to work anyway - those days are over," he told GMS. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details to third parties. "That's why we need to keep up a threshold of testing in Scotland and around the world - the PCR testing that we can genomically sequence to find those variants.". ", Russia launches pre-dawn missile attack on Ukraine, Chaos at port as thousands rush to leave Sudan, Air strikes pound Sudan capital as truce extended. Masks are no longer required. They can also give specialist advice on particular conditions: Age Scotland - 0800 12 44 222 "That doesn't mean masks are worthless against omicron, but their real-world benefit in isolation appears to be, at best, modest in a health care setting. But with more than 5000 cases of covid still being recorded every day the public are being urged to still take "sensible precautions" over the virus. She said: "We have all along got a balance to strike - and its not always an easy balance - between controlling the virus and minimising the harm that is caused by the measures to control the virus, and that has been a recurring theme throughout the pandemic. This is the first medical grade transparent face mask available for use in Scotland. Nicola Sturgeon announced on Wednesday March. The national clinical director was also asked about a video showing Nicola Sturgeon not wearing a face mask during a campaign visit to a barber's in East Kilbride. Professor Stephen Reicher, a behavioural psychologist at St Andrews University, said people should wear face coverings to protect vulnerable members of the community, rather than themselves. Read about our approach to external linking. Changing demographics and ever increasing expectations of what healthcare advances can deliver, which of course in themselves are positive developments, were posing challenges for the NHS and necessitating reforms to care pathways. The legal requirement to wear face coverings in most indoor public spaces and on public transport will become guidance next week. Video, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. However, she stressed that the NHS was still under pressure and the most vulnerable members of society could still benefit from people taking additional measures to protect them from the virus. vaccination clinic), individuals' own face coverings [] To find out more, researchers from St George's Hospital in south-west London analyzed routinely collected infection control data over a 40-week period between December 4, 2021 (the first week when the omicron variant became dominant) and September 10, 2022 (when universal COVID-19 screening on admission by PCR stopped) to examine hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infections in relation to changes in mask-wearing policies over time. When seated and after appropriate hand hygiene. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? Clinical teams may wish to include a pre- admission/pre- appointment triage question regarding the individuals ability to wear a face mask and take the opportunity to encourage the use of face masks. The number of daily reported Covid cases in Scotland hit about 12,000 in March but the figure is now about 5,000. after a risk assessment when the person they are supporting/caring for is showing signs of distress. Alix, assistant manager at Maia Gifts in Glasgow city centre, said business had been quiet while office workers have been working from home and tourism has been curtailed. Photo: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire. Professor Linda Bauld, a public health expert and an advisor to the Scottish government, said she was worried about a new variant taking hold. However our NHS is still under pressure and the most vulnerable members of our society can still benefit from additional measures to protect them from the virus. 10 days after your symptoms started or you tested positive (whichever occurred earlier) Face masks continue to be required at all Middlesex-London Health Unit clinical spaces and classes as well as during home visits. In communal areas of schools ad when moving around inside school buildings, secondary school pupils will need to continue wearing face coverings when they return after the Easter break. The matter has been reported to Police Scotland. However, test sites will close at the start of May and people with symptoms will no longer be advised that they need to take a test. The testing regime has also changed, with free lateral flow tests no longer available to the general population. "The guidance is if you are in a crowded area inadvertently or deliberately, then put a face covering on and that will protect you and others. Here are the current rules around face masks for people in Scotland. To address this issue, a transparent face mask has been developed which features a clear anti-fog front panel, which has been positioned to prevent reflection and make lip reading easier, and which can be worn to protect staff in healthcare settings where a Type IIR FRSMs would be worn. Your email address is used only to let the recipient know who sent the email. On Monday, Ms Sturgeon said "these things are being looked at very actively". is to help protect the many vulnerable individuals using the services. The matter has been reported to Police Scotland. compromises clinical care (e.g. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no "For people who are more vulnerable it is probably the moment to increase to an FFP3 mask just until the pressure in the environment from so many people infected actually decreases.". The opposition Conservatives have urged the government to "trust the public" and bring legal requirements to an end. All rights reserved. editorial process On Thursday, there were 2,383 people in hospital with recently confirmed Covid-19, a record high. The move brings Scotland into line with the rest of the UK. How well have Scotland and the UK coped with Covid? "The way you look after your staff is to not overburden them, you don't ask them to do more when they've already spent two years doing more - it is about realism for the coming months," Dr Morrison added. "This was frustrating for many people and damaging for businesses.". These can also be used in combination if . "If I choose not to wear a mask, I make it dangerous for somebody who's vulnerable and I take their choice away," he said. As of today, people are no longer legally required to wear a face mask in Scotland as the rule moved into guidance. ", "Many hospitals have retained masking at significant financial and environment cost and despite the substantial barrier to communication," says senior author Dr. Aodhan Breathnach from St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London. This means you will no longer be breaking the law for not wearing a covering in public places, including. Testing is being wound down more gradually in Scotland, but the population-wide testing and contact tracing system will shut down by the end of April. Ms Sturgeon described this as a "temporary, precautionary" move, and said the expectation was that it would only last until early April. The legal requirement to wear face coverings in many indoor settings in Scotland will end next Monday. The Scottish government said this showed that the situation had generally improved in recent weeks, but that the virus had still not gone away - with the NHS continuing to face significant pressures. Secondly, in the event that there is transmission within a ward, it is helpful as part of outbreak investigation to understand which controls were in place, including mask wearing. Transmission of the virus recently hit record levels in Scotland, with one in 11 Scots estimated to have the virus in the week ending 20 March. BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme, video showing Nicola Sturgeon not wearing a face mask, 'The heart of our family': The lives lost to Covid, MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo dies, Adidas sued by investors over Kanye West deal, US principal visits David sculpture after nudity row, Suspected IS chief killed in Syria, Turkey says, US bank makes last ditch bid to find rescuer, UK chip giant Arm files for blockbuster share sale, Pope urges Hungarians to 'open doors' to migrants, Cuba cancels May Day parade because of fuel crisis. "In general we're hoping that people will be more comfortable coming into the city centre, having a bit more of a wander, branching out a bit more," she said. Is it more severe? Free lateral flow devices (LFDs) for twice weekly routine testing are no longer available for the general population. Guidance sections updated to reflect the Scottish Winter (21/22) Respiratory Infections in Health and Care Settings Addendum publication. This information is based on abstract 5979 at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) annual meeting. Read about our approach to external linking. Prof Jason Leitch says he is still worried about the "overwhelmed nature" of the health service. In a letter to the Presiding Officer and relevant Committee Convenors, Ministers confirmed the remaining legal requirements will be lifted as expected on 18 April. There is no plan to formally police compliance. Guidance for patients, outpatients and visitors across all healthcare settings, It may be helpful to advise the individual that the reason for continuing to ask patients to use face masks in. Do not give any personal information because we cannot reply to you directly. "Once again we just have to ask for patience from people until the NHS can work a bit normally as Covid cases recede.". The tests will continue to be free for any purpose for which testing continues to be advised - for clinical care, health and social care workers and for people visiting vulnerable individuals in care homes or hospitals. She advised more vulnerable peple to "evaluate your personal risk" when going to high risk areas where there are lots of people and little ventilation. Face mask laws are to be replaced with guidance only in Scotland - making it the last UK nation to scrap the rules. However although the . The wearing of face masks is particularly important when patients are moving out with their immediate bed space, including when moving around a multi-occupancy room, a ward, department and/or hospital and when transferring between wards, departments and/or hospitals. Sturgeon was speaking at a briefing alongside health secretary Humza Yousaf and the deputy chief medical officer Graham Ellis. Use this form if you have come across a typo, inaccuracy or would like to send an edit request for the content on this page. Booster jags: Why AstraZeneca isnt used as a Covid booster vaccine - and if you can have a Pfizer booster after an AZ jab, Octogenarian to cycle 1,000-mile trek across Scotland in memory of her three children. eat and drink. A rapid review report published by the UK Health Security . Is climate change killing Australian wine? The lifting of the face masks rule had been delayed twice in Scotland amid record levels of Covid cases and high numbers of people in hospital with the virus. This beggars belief when he has lost the confidence of NHS staff and his flimsy recovery plan has been found desperately wanting. To only allow the cookies that make the site work, click 'Use essential cookies only.' "The thing I want to stress is the advice the public health advice is that for your safety and the safety of others, and so that as a community we can come out of this together, wear a mask in crowded places - very clear, very simple.". The Scottish Conservatives described the briefing as a PR exercise, which was too little, too late. European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. During the pandemic, many people have been waiting before approaching the health service with their illness. People are no longer legally required to wear face masks on public transport and in most indoor public spaces in Scotland as the rule moved into guidance on Monday. All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except for graphic assets and where otherwise stated, Supporting patients and staff with additional needs, adults with brain injury, head and neck cancer, neurological conditions, elderly patients, including those with dementia, staff and patients that need to communicate with other NHS employees that have communication impairments. People in Scotland are no longer legally required to wear face coverings in crowded indoor places like shops and restaurants, or on public transport. The move had been delayed twice amid record levels of Covid cases and high numbers of people in hospital with the virus. She added: "The SNP government have been far too slow to trust the public to use their judgement on wearing face masks, having twice U-turned on lifting the blanket curb before. Masks continue to be a key tool against COVID-19. Note: The section on the isolation period was updated on 17 January 2023 for clarity. You can use the filters to show only news posts that match your interest. For general feedback, use the public comments section below (please adhere to guidelines). Nicola Sturgeon is to confirm whether Scotland's last remaining Covid regulations - over the wearing of face coverings - will be lifted next week. Updated: The recommendation that face masks are worn at all times is being removed for service users and visitors in social care settings and staff in these settings. Clearing NHS backlog will take years, doctor warns, Russia launches pre-dawn missile attack on Ukraine, Chaos at port as thousands rush to leave Sudan, Air strikes pound Sudan capital as truce extended. A full paper has been submitted to a medical journal and is currently under review but not available at this stage and, as this is an early release from ECCMID, the poster is not yet available. . The impact of this combination of Covid, flu and Strep A is clear in the statistics measuring demand for health services. This document is subject to copyright. However, the requirement to wear face masks at funerals and weddings was lifted on 4 April as planned. Is climate change killing Australian wine? The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. The low-tech, low-cost intervention without well-established benefit was reasonable early in the pandemic. Pregnant or breastfeeding women with non-severe COVID-19 should consult with their doctor to determine whether they should take this drug, due to likely benefits and a lack of adverse events having been reported.