Despite the use of face coverings no longer being a legal requirement, she strongly recommended that people "continue wearing face coverings in indoor settings where possible, and particularly when significant numbers of people are present". 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. Professor Linda Bauld, a public health expert and an advisor to the Scottish government, said she was worried about a new variant taking hold. Face coverings were still being worn by some at Glasgow's Queen Street Station on Monday, Some bus passengers were still opting to wear face masks on buses in Edinburgh, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. But it strongly advised people to continue wearing masks in crowded indoor places and on public transport. Prof Jason Leitch says he is still worried about the "overwhelmed nature" of the health service. NHS Western Isles is also reminding patients to attend their appointments on time please do not arrive too early or too late. Current guidance - staff in hospitals - Coronavirus (COVID-19 after a risk assessment when the person they are supporting/caring for is showing signs of distress. Masks in NHS Western Isles hospitals and at healthcare appointments "What I have observed in England is a number of businesses, including supermarkets, that are very strongly advising (the wearing of face masks) and I expect that to continue here.". However, we do not guarantee individual replies due to the high volume of messages. It is strongly recommended that you wear a FRSM (or face covering if a FRSM cannot be tolerated). Updated New additional guidance - hospital staff, How to support visitors and More information (questions and answers). Masks are no longer required. Scottish Labour meanwhile has called for more support to be given to hospitals, saying that lives were being put at risk despite the "tireless" work of staff. What's more, the authors did not observe a delayed effect, with no change in the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate during the time when the mask-wearing policy was removed (weeks 26 to 40). The matter has been reported to Police Scotland. Additional staff for the NHS 24 service is also set to increase in the coming weeks after workforce numbers were increased prior to the festive period to reduce the need for hospital visits. All rights reserved. Clinical masks(which will be provided) must be worn on entry, in communal areas (e.g. Health Promotion & Health Improvement Service, Mental Health and Learning Disability Services, Occupational Therapy and Community Equipment, SARCS (Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service), Smoking Cessation (Quit Your Way Hebrides). Previously, WHO advised that patients be discharged 10 days after symptom onset, plus at least three additional days since their symptoms had resolved. These changes will barely scratch the surface of this deadly crisis and fail to grapple with the major structural problems clinicians are raising. Lifting of Scottish face mask laws confirmed - BBC News Masks continue to be a key tool against COVID-19. All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except for graphic assets and where otherwise stated, most people without symptoms will no longer be asked to take COVID-19 tests, free lateral flow devices (LFDs) for the purposes of twice weekly routine testing will no longer be available for the general population given the changing advice, but will continue to be free for any purpose for which testing continues to be advised for clinical care, for health and social care workers and for people visiting vulnerable individuals in care homes or hospitals, until the end of April, people with symptoms should still isolate and get a PCR test, vaccinated close contacts of someone with COVID-19 should continue to test daily for seven days with LFDs. The rule easing came the day after Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was reported to police after footage showed her apparently breaching the country's Covid face mask law while on the council election campaign trail. 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. There will also be instances of staff who may suffer from breathing difficulties, or suffer from genuine discomfort or distress when wearing a FRSM. ", "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. "Our emergency departments are struggling, our hospitals are struggling, not just with Covid - with backlog, with everything else coming in that has waited until this point to come forward.". A rapid review report published by the UK Health Security . Scotland's national clinical director, Professor Jason Leitch, said coronavirus was now being dealt with through common sense and guidance, rather than law. It is Scotland's final legal Covid-19 requirement to be lifted. The legal requirement to wear face coverings was dropped in England on 16 March, while from Friday lateral flow tests will only be free for over-75s and those with weakened immune systems. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. 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. Individuals should be provided with a new replacement face mask to put on after such activities where removal is required. The legal requirement to wear masks . COVID-19: Number in Scottish hospitals with virus hits new record The party's public health spokeswoman, Sue Webber, said the confirmation that the restrictions would now be lifted was welcome but should have happened several weeks ago. He acknowledged the daily case rate remained high but he told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme that vaccination and therapeutics had "changed the game". Hospitals across Scotland are at 95% capacity, the First Minister warned. The move brings Scotland into line with the rest of the UK. What difference will lifting face mask laws make? (primary care, hospital and community healthcare settings). We use cookies to collect anonymous data to help us improve your site browsing The reality hospitals right now are currently almost completely full. when receiving oxygen therapy or when in labour and children aged under 5. Is climate change killing Australian wine? However, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, as part of their inspections process in hospitals, will observe compliance of this guidance. There is not enough evidence to suggest medical-grade face masks protect vulnerable people from Covid, health officials have admitted. Your feedback helps us to improve this website. During the pandemic, many people have been waiting before approaching the health service with their illness. When working alone in an office or when seated in a well-ventilated multi-occupancy officeand after appropriate hand hygiene. People with symptoms will still need to isolate and get a PCR test until the end of April. Data shows the situation has generally improved but Covid has not gone away with over 5,000 cases a day still being recorded in Scotland. Including when receiving direct care or receiving visitors. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. Is climate change killing Australian wine? We would like to thank all staff, patients and visitors for their ongoing cooperationas we implement every step we can to keep our communities and staff safe. and Terms of Use. Legal mask rule in Scotland ends by 18 April. All of Scotland's other legal restrictions have already been lifted. The move had been delayed twice amid record levels of Covid cases and high numbers of people. 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. 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. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said a fortnight ago that she expected the face covering rules to be lifted on Easter Monday. Alex said they will continue to maintain good hygiene practice, wiping surfaces and keeping the door open for ventilation. Guidance sections updated to reflect the Scottish Winter (21/22) Respiratory Infections in Health and Care Settings Addendum publication. 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. Staff at hospitals across Scotland are facing capacity issues Covid rules are being phased out across the UK, with masks now only compulsory in health and social care settings in Wales. "People are starting to come back in for work, so it's started to pick up again. Patients are no longer required to wear masks in NHS hospitals, GP surgeries and emergency departments, unless they have suspected or confirmed Covid infection. Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Mask wearing has been part of a package of infection control measures employed to reduce COVID-19 in hospitals throughout the pandemic. Read about our approach to external linking. Thank you for taking time to provide your feedback to the editors. Video, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Last Wednesday, hospital bed occupancy across Scotland exceeded 95%. We use cookies to collect anonymous data to help us improve your site browsing Science X Daily and the Weekly Email Newsletter are free features that allow you to receive your favorite sci-tech news updates in your email inbox, European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Those infected with COVID in 2020 were 40% less likely to contract omicron variant later, A neural circuit that suppresses male aggression when an opponent is physically advantaged, Frequent fried food consumption linked to anxiety and depression, Sneaking past the blood-brain barrier to usher in the age of gene therapy for neurodegenerative disease, Tiny protein apparently produces titanic impact in the lungs when encountering bacterial pneumonia, Major depressive disorder linked to interplay of gut microbiome and blood metabolome. Updated: 8:21, 18 Apr 2022. During the pandemic, many people have been waiting before approaching the health service with their illness. The public health advice for people who feel unwell will be to stay at home until they feel better, to reduce the risk of infecting other people. 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. 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. Boards should consider what other mitigations can be put in place. National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. "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 technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. Covid Scotland: face masks no longer legally required at funerals and Your cookie preferences have been saved. From that date, test sites will close and people with symptoms will no longer be advised that they need to seek a test. "I think we will have a good spring and summer, we will get through this wave and the pressure on the NHS from Covid will lessen," she said. Wherever possible, maintain two-metre distancing if FRSM removed. COVID-19 - guidance for health protection teams (HPTs) Staff should ensure that anyone who is not able to wear a face covering due to an existing medical condition is not forced to do so or refused treatment. And vaccinated close contacts of someone with Covid should continue to test daily for seven days with lateral flow devices. 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. FACE masks will no longer be legally required in Scotland from next week, the Scottish Government has confirmed. This article contains content provided by Twitter. Isolation of people with COVID-19 is an important step in preventing others from being infected. The table below sets out when FRSMs should be worn in hospitals: It is strongly recommended that you wear a FRSM at all times whenproviding direct patient care unless an FFP3 respirator is required in line with national guidance. Are face masks mandatory in Scotland - The Scotsman Editors have highlighted Before the weekend, coronavirus hospital cases in Scotland were still at more than 2,000. NHS Scotland has approved the transparent mask for use by both healthcare staff and patients. Health and social care, Public safety and emergencies, Coronavirus in Scotland Changes come into force 18 April. 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. The hospital SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was adjusted by the underlying community infection rate identified by routine admission screening. She and Humza Yousaf remain in denial of the fact that theyve been caught off guard by the extent of the demands on the NHS this winter, despite the fact that they were warned of what was looming well in advance. Covid in Scotland: Decision due on mask requirements All rights reserved. Face mask laws are to be replaced with guidance only in Scotland - making it the last UK nation to scrap the rules. When seatedand after appropriate hand hygiene. It was confirmed earlier this month that people without COVID-19 symptoms will no longer be asked to take regular lateral flow tests from 18 April. "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. 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. Ms Sturgeon has previously said she is confident most people will continue to wear masks after the rules ease. Patients who are being transferred or transported to hospital are also strongly encouraged to continue to wear a face mask. These monoclonal antibody medicines lack or have diminished activity against the current circulating virus variants. Unless exempt How well have Scotland and the UK coped with Covid? Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir was first recommended by WHO in April 2022. WHO strongly recommends its use in mild or moderate COVID-19 patients who are at high-risk of hospitalization. The content is provided for information purposes only. compromises clinical care (e.g. The patient can be discharged from isolation early if they test negative on an antigen-based rapid test. Get weekly and/or daily updates delivered to your inbox. (primary care, hospital and community healthcare settings). This is the first medical grade transparent face mask available for use in Scotland. 2023 BBC. Then in phase two, at week 26 (June 2, 2022 to September 10, 2022) the surgical mask-wearing policy was removed for the majority of wards (study group), while a subset of high-risk wards (i.e., renal hematology and oncology wards, the medical admissions unit and intensive care units) retained the mask obligation policy for staff (control group). The legal requirement to wear face coverings in most indoor public spaces and on public transport will become guidance next week. For those who test positive for COVID-19 but do not have any signs or symptoms, WHO now suggests 5 days of isolation compared to 10 days previously. "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 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. But the fact that Nicola Sturgeon barely let him get a word in edge ways suggests she doesnt truly have faith in him either.. She said this would "provide some additional protection - particularly for the most vulnerable - at a time when the risk of infection is very high". Do not give any personal information because we cannot reply to you directly. Play video Humza Yousaf is sworn in at the Court of Session Video. VideoThe secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, LGBT troops take love for Eurovision to front line, Why an Indian comedian is challenging fake news rules, What Europe's royals could teach King Charles. 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. "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. The Scottish Government is also working with health boards to assess initiatives such as extending GP opening hours to Saturdays, as announced by NHS Lanarkshire last week. The omicron variant was the dominant strain throughout the study period. Scotland to be freed from face masks for the first time - The Telegraph Linda Bauld, Professor of Public Health at the University of Edinburgh, has said that with the number of people in hospitals and intensive care units falling, it was "reasonable for the government to be looking ahead". Share. The government has now confirmed the move in a letter to the Scottish Parliament's presiding officer and relevant committee conveners. This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Ms Sturgeon's cabinet discussed the latest data on Tuesday, but no announcement was made in parliament with Ms Sturgeon attending the Duke of Edinburgh's memorial service in London. We expect staff to be fully supported and appropriate steps taken locally to implement the guidance in a way that has regard to staff well-being. Is it more severe? Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? It is strongly recommended that you wear a FRSM (or your own face covering) when moving around (i.e. "But if we had a new variant in the future, the big scientific questions are: is it more transmissible? 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. 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. Photo: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire. Updated version of guidance and questions and answers added in html. He acknowledged the daily case rate remained high but he told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme that vaccination and therapeutics had "changed the game". "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. "My understanding is it was a matter of seconds. Your email address is used only to let the recipient know who sent the email. Click 'Accept all cookies' to agree to all cookies that collect anonymous data. Nicola Sturgeon is to confirm whether Scotland's last remaining Covid regulations - over the wearing of face coverings - will be lifted next week. experience. Scotland's national clinical director, Professor Jason Leitch, said coronavirus was now being dealt with through common sense and guidance, rather than law. Sturgeon said extraordinary levels of winter flu and rising Strep A cases were to blame for high hospital occupancy rates, alongside delayed discharges where a patient is ready to leave hospital but cannot because the necessary care package or accommodation is not available. This is usually a respiratory consultant. 2023 BBC. Patient visitors, including birthing partners "Our emergency departments are struggling, our hospitals are struggling, not just with Covid - with backlog, with everything else coming in that has waited until this point to come forward.". The analysis found that during a general community surge in SARS-CoV-2 infection in June 2022, removal of the mask policy was not associated with a statistically significant change in the rate of hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection in the study groupwith SARS-CoV-2 infection no higher than the rate when masks were obligatory. when receiving oxygen therapy or when in labour. But the study has several limitations, including that it was an observational study so can't prove causation, staff adherence to the mask-wearing policy was not assessed and we were unable to determine staff infection rates. The first minister will update MSPs on whether the requirement to wear masks in shops and on public transport will end as planned on 4 April. For anyone entering our hospitals, or anyone attending a healthcare appointment (e.g. It is strongly recommended that you wear a FRSM/face covering atall timeswhen not seated and eating. However, the Scottish government and health experts are still strongly advising people to continue to wear masks voluntarily. Previously, WHO recommendations were based on the epidemiological situation. Scotland's remaining legal requirements to wear face masks have been lifted today. 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. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. Staff can also remove the FRSM if the individual they are supporting/caring for is a person who lip-reads to communicate (if transparent mask is not available/suitable), or if the individual is showing signs of distress. To only allow the cookies that make the site work, click 'Use essential cookies only.' Read about our approach to external linking. 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. Added document with answers to frequently asked questions as an attachment. Covid in Scotland: Legal requirement for face masks to end 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. The idea that we can just treat this like a bad cold and go to work anyway - those days are over," he told GMS. "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. A video posted on social media appeared to show her not wearing a mask during a visit to a barber's in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, on Saturday. A party spokesman said: "Within a few seconds, she realised she hadn't put her mask back on and immediately put it on.". The legal requirement to wear face coverings in many indoor settings in Scotland will end next Monday. This can be done at home or at a dedicated facility, such as a hospital or clinic. not seated at your desk). Sturgeon was speaking at a briefing alongside health secretary Humza Yousaf and the deputy chief medical officer Graham Ellis. Provided by 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. To only allow the cookies that make the site work, click 'Use essential cookies only.' However, the Scottish government and health. Except for corticosteroids, access to other drugs remains unsatisfactory globally. However, the Scottish government and health experts are still strongly advising people to continue to wear masks voluntarily. Face masks: Time is right to remove legal restriction says Humza - BBC The evidence considered by the guideline development group showed that people without symptoms are much less likely to transmit the virus than those with symptoms. What date will Scottish face mask rules end? Using this guidance The guidance supports, but does not replace: individual expert clinical judgment local response arrangements But ministers decided to keep the rule on face coverings for an extra few weeks due to a spike in new cases. ", 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. "So I think anything like wearing a face covering when you're on public transport in future months might avoid us picking up this virus or another. vaccination clinic), individuals own face coverings will not be permitted. It supports staff managing coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). As of today, people are no longer legally required to wear a face mask in Scotland as the rule moved into guidance. Are masks mandatory in Scotland? New rules explained and whether you Want to join the conversation? This is the first medical grade transparent face mask available for use in Scotland. You may want to read Twitters cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. . 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. Those eligible for an exemption card can obtain the card by visitingwww.exempt.scotor via the free helpline at 0800 121 6240. Video, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Other changes that will come into effect on Monday mean most people who do not have Covid symptoms will no longer be asked to take lateral flow tests. You can change your cookie settings at any time. But she said people including shoppers and school pupils who want to continue wearing face masks should be supported.