Face masks are no longer advised when visiting healthcare settings, the Scottish Government has confirmed.
From yesterday, face coverings were no longer be required in all NHS health and social care settings, including hospitals, health centres, community sectors, primary care, social work, and care homes.
The change sees Ayrshire health and social care settings returning to pre-pandemic guidance, more than three years on from when Covid-19 first hit Scotland.
Staff will now advise on the use of face coverings only where is it considered best practice for infection prevention and control reasons.
Jennifer Wilson, NHS Ayrshire & Arran's executive nurse director, said “now is the right time” to revise advice on wearing masks thanks to the successful vaccination programme and the availability of treatments.
She said: “These last few years have been extremely difficult for everyone, and we are grateful to those visiting our premises who have worn a face covering to help protect the most vulnerable patients and staff.
“We will continue to be vigilant in our response to Covid-19 and encourage anyone who is feeling under the weather and have a cough, cold, sore throat, fever or stomach bug, to wait until you are feeling better (and have been symptom-free for 48 hours) before visiting a health and care setting.
“We are grateful for the tireless work of all our health and social care staff during these challenging times and to everyone who has helped them by adhering to the guidance.”
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