People in Scotland have been advised to wear face coverings while in enclosed spaces like supermarkets or on public transport.

Nicola Sturgeon said today that coverings would not be made mandatory, but the government would keep this issue under review amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The First Minister explained the new advice did not refer to medical-grade masks, but coverings like scarves which could have ‘some benefit’ in areas where social distancing is difficult.

However, she reminded the country that this was ‘not a substitute’ for existing lockdown restrictions and people should not often find themselves in enclosed public spaces if they were following the rules.

Speaking at a press conference, Ms Sturgeon said: ‘We’re not, at this stage, making it mandatory or suggesting that it will be enforced, though we will be keeping that under review as we go into future phases of managing and tackling the pandemic.

‘Of course, it’s worth bearing in mind that there are some people – for example people with asthma – who might have very good reasons for choosing not to cover their mouth and nose while they’re out and about. We’re not recommending the use of face coverings for children under the age of two.

‘However, to repeat, we are recommending that you do wear a cloth face covering if you are in an enclosed space with others where social distancing is difficult. For example, public transport or in a shop.

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‘But let me emphasise the key point here, which is that you should not really be in situations very often like that right now, if you are complying with the stay-at-home rules.’

She added that evidence about how useful face coverings are in enclosed spaces was ‘limited’ and there was no evidence to suggest that wearing a face covering outdoors was of any benefit.

She said: ‘To be clear, the benefit comes mainly in cases where someone might have the virus but is not aware of that because they are not experiencing symptoms and thus not isolating completely.

‘Wearing a face covering in those circumstances could reduce the risk of that person spreading the virus.’

The Scottish Government published guidance on face coverings on their website on Tuesday.

It comes as Germany makes face masks compulsory on public transport and people in Austria are expected to wear them in supermarkets and pharmacies.

People living in Lombardy, Italy must cover their nose and mouth when outside, while the French government is planning on giving out masks to the public.

Air passengers in Canada must have a non-medical mask or face covering during travel and people in the US are also advised to wear cloth face coverings in supermarkets and pharmacies.

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