Face coverings to be mandatory in Scottish stores

The use of face coverings will become mandatory in shops in Scotland as coronavirus restrictions are eased, Nicola Sturgeon has announced.

Face coverings will be mandatory in shops from 10 July.

Non-essential retail shops with outdoor entrances reopened in Scotland on 29 June, while indoor parts of shopping centres are anticipated to begin reopening on 13 July.

The first minister said the two metre social distancing rule would be eased for some premises when the country moves into the next phase of its route map on 10 July.

Speaking at the Scottish Government's daily coronavirus briefing, Ms Sturgeon said: “Face coverings in shops will be compulsory from the end of next week but please don’t wait until then, get into the habit now.”

The first minister also has confirmed she has ordered further scientific studies of the two metre social distancing rule after it was announced a "one metre plus" system would be introduced in England.