Coronavirus (COVID-19): face coverings and masks

Overview

Wearing a face covering or mask helps keep you and others safe from COVID-19. You can still catch and pass on the virus even if you have been vaccinated, so wearing a face covering helps to reduce the spread.

Places you need to wear a face covering include:

• shops
• bars, restaurants, cafes and nightclubs
• churches and other places of worship
• public transport, including stations and bus stops
• at work (including tradespeople working in people’s homes)

You are also advised to wear a face covering outdoors in crowded places.

There are exemptions to this rule for some people and situations. If exempt, you may choose not to wear a face covering. This would be the case if, for example:

• you’re under 12 years old
• you’ve got an illness or disability which means you cannot wear one
• wearing one would cause you severe distress

There are also some situations when you can temporarily remove your face covering, for example when exercising or when sitting, eating or drinking in a bar or restaurant. Go to the exemptions section for more information.

Wearing a face covering is just one of the things that you can do to keep yourself and others safe. You should take other precautions, such as:

• get the vaccine 
• clean hands and surfaces regularly
• meet outside if you can, and open windows when indoors
• avoid crowded places and keep your distance from other people where possible
• if you have symptoms get a test and stay at home
• take regular tests if you don’t have symptoms to reduce the risk of spreading the virus
• use the Protect Scotland and Check-in Scotland apps