Scottish Government Guidance on Face Masks

Date: 23rd June 2020

As you may already be aware the Scottish Government have updated there guidance on the wearing of face masks or coverings. From Monday 22nd June it is compulsory to wear a face mask or covering on all public transport. It has been taken into account that there will be people or circumstance in which the wearing of a will not be possible. The below guidance from Arron Ashton Scottish Government Policy Officer for Dementia, Autism and Learning Disability explains these exemptions and the definition of a face covering.

“You may have a reasonable excuse not to wear a face covering if, for example:

  • you have a health condition where a face covering would be inappropriate because it would cause difficulty, pain or severe distress or anxiety or because you cannot apply a covering and wear it in the proper manner safely and consistently.
  • you have a reasonable need to eat or drink
  • you need to take medication
  • you need to communicate with someone else who relies on lip reading
  • a relevant person, such as a police officer, asks you to remove your face covering.

You must provide your own face covering when travelling on public transport. A face covering is a facial covering of the mouth and nose, that is made of cloth or other textiles and through which you can breathe, for example a scarf. You may also use if you prefer a face visor but it must cover your nose and mouth completely. It is most important that what you wear is comfortable when it is being worn.

 Religious face coverings that cover the mouth and the nose count as face coverings for these regulations.

In addition to having to wear a face covering on public transport we strongly recommend that you wear a face covering in other enclosed environments, such as shops, as a precautionary measure to stop the spread of the virus.” 

Photo-symbols have developed mask exemption cards which you can show if you need to, you can download these here. If you have any questions about this new guidance please contact our Family Support Team on 0300 030 2121 or email familysupportservice@dsscotland.org.uk.