Scotland relaxes rules on distancing and maskson January 28, 2022 at 6:29 am

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The easing of restrictions comes as the Omicron variant wave continues to decline in Scotland.

Canon Gerald Sharkey at St Andrew's Cathedral in Glasgow

Image source, Getty Images

Rules on physical distancing and the wearing of face masks in certain circumstances are being relaxed.

It follows First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement on Tuesday that an “improving situation” allowed the easing of more Covid restrictions.

Face masks will no longer be required for adults taking part in organised activities with children under five.

And face covering exemptions requiring two-metre physical distancing will see a reduction to one metre from Friday.

The exemptions apply in certain indoor settings, for example receptionists and people leading religious services.

The two-metre distancing requirement was introduced in December as a response to the spread of the highly infectious Omicron variant.

Confirmed Covid cases in Scotland have reduced from an average of about 13,500 a day on 12 January to about 7,500 on Thursday.

The number of people in hospital with Covid has also been declining, going down from a high of 1,571 people on 19 January to 1,319.

On Tuesday, Ms Sturgeon said the “significantly improved situation” had given the Scottish government “confidence” to lift most of the remaining measures that were introduced before Christmas in a bid to slow the spread of Omicron.

New rules which forced the closure of nightclubs in Scotland and limited crowds at large indoor events have already been lifted.

Employers will instead be encouraged to adopt a “hybrid” model, with workers spending time in the office and at home.

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