Coronavirus Update – Further Easing of Covid-19 Restrictions in Scotland:
Further to earlier LTBs, the Scottish Government First Minister announced on Tuesday the easing of a number of Covid-19 control measures and restrictions in Scotland, in respect of the ending of legal requirements for face masks and Covid vaccine passports as part of a sustainable return to a normal way of life.
Face masks will no longer be legally required to be worn in indoor settings from Monday 21 March. The First Minister stated that the wearing of face coverings in shops and other indoor public places will still be “strongly recommended” but voluntary.
Covid Vaccine Passports for nightclubs and major events etc., will end a month earlier on 28 February.
The Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also said in Tuesday’s announcement that while legal requirements would be removed for face masks and Covid Passports, rules around testing and self-isolation will remain in place, currently either 7 or 10 days depending on vaccination status but will remain under review. For now, people who test positive for Coronavirus will still be asked to self-isolate in Scotland.
Although the scrapping of free lateral flow tests is imminent in England, lateral flow tests and PCR tests will remain free in Scotland for the time being, during the transition period.
Those in Scotland who have Covid symptoms are still advised to get a PCR test, while lateral flow testing recommendations will be relaxed to ask people to test twice a week rather than before going out to mix with others or socialise.
Scotland will relax many of its remaining rules in March, and measures are also gradually easing in Wales and Northern Ireland.
All remaining Covid legal restrictions in England have been removed as of today 24 February as part of the Prime Minister’s ‘Living with Covid’ plan.
It means people who test positive for Covid in England are no longer legally required to self-isolate, although they are still advised to do so.
See attached interim message extract from Dr. Shaun Davis Royal Mail Group Director of Safety issued yesterday regarding Scotland with a further message to follow which should confirm the removal of mandatory face masks in Royal Mail Group Scottish workplaces. A further LTB will be issued covering this in due course.
Royal Mail Group will continue to supply face masks to those members wishing to continue wearing them, both disposable and three ply cotton washable types.
Royal Mail Group in consultation with the CWU continues to monitor announcements across the UK.
Note; that in the event of any Unit Covid outbreaks/case clusters Covid secure restrictions and controls may be re-introduced following the Covid Unit Risk Assessment and control process in consultation with the CWU.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
22LTB082 Coronavirus Update – Further Easing of Covid-19 Restrictions in Scotland
CWU Eastern No5 Branch 
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