Scotland’s government is recommending that people wear face coverings in situations where maintaining social distancing is difficult, such as on public transportation or inside food shops, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the daily coronavirus briefing, Sturgeon acknowledged that evidence on the benefits of face coverings was not “overwhelming,” but said there may be “some benefit” to wearing them in enclosed spaces.
The Scottish government said this in a statement:
“The evidence on the use of face coverings is limited, but there may be some benefit in wearing a facial covering when you leave the house and enter enclosed spaces, especially where physical distancing is more difficult and where there is a risk of close contact with multiple people you do not usually meet. Examples include, traveling on public transport or entering a food shop where it is not always possible to maintain a 2 meter distance from another customer. There is no evidence to suggest there might be a benefit outdoors, unless in an unavoidable crowded situation, where there may be some benefit.”
Sturgeon added that wearing a face covering does not mean that other social distancing rules don’t apply, and cautioned against people feeling “invincible” because they are wearing a mask.
