Scotland has become the first UK country to recommend the use of face coverings.
Even though the evidence has been described as “limited” a Scottish government officials has said: “There may be some benefit in wearing a facial covering when you leave the house and enter enclosed spaces, especially where physical distancing is more difficult and where there is a risk of close contact with multiple people you do not usually meet.
“We are recommending that you consider using face coverings in the limited circumstances described above as a precautionary measure.”
Such spaces where masks may be an appropriate protective measure include shops, public transport, and basically anywhere where it’s not entirely possible to stay 2 metres+ away from people not from your household.
The official continued saying: “There is no evidence to suggest there might be a benefit outdoors, unless in an unavoidable crowded situation, where there may be some benefit.
“As some people can have the virus but experience no symptoms, wearing a face covering in the situations outlined above may provide some level of protection against transmission to other people in close proximity.”
It’s been stressed that the use of them is definitely not mandatory, and no one is being forced to wear them, they’re simply just recommended in certain areas. But in time this may change from a simple recommendation to a necessity. The rest of the UK hasn’t followed in Scotland’s footsteps as of yet, as there’s still some uncertainty about how effective these coverings are, and there is much conflicted evidence.
Coverings include things such as cloth and scarves, this differs from official medical masks.
