[bots]

Scotland's mandatory face covering rules will now remain in force until 18 April, Nicola Sturgeon has announced.

The legal requirement to wear masks in shops and on public transport had been expected to be lifted next week.

But the first minister told MSPs that the changes would now not take effect until 18 April.

She said this was due to there still being a very high level of infection in Scotland, and because masks provide extra protection.

However, the requirement to wear a face covering in places of worship and while attending marriage and funeral services will end on 4 April.

Ms Sturgeon said this phased approach struck a "sensible balance between our desire to remove this one remaining legal measure and the common sense need for continued caution".

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-60928806
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face covering is working so well in scotland at the moment