A CHANGE in Scottish Government guidance on wearing face masks in health and social care settings is set to come into effect next week.

Bankies planning to visit facilities including Clydebank Health Centre and the Golden Jubilee Hospital will not be required to wear Fluid Resistant Surgical Masks (FRSM) or face coverings from Tuesday, May 16 – unless advised by staff.

The advice covers all hospitals, health centres, community sectors, primary care facilities, and care homes.

A spokesperson for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: "Fluid resistance surgical masks provide protection to the wearer and those around them, and therefore have a purpose within health and social care settings.

“However, we are in a position now where the extended use of masks and face coverings should be for particular situations and not the default position.

"Although Covid-19 continues to spread, transmission rates are lower and the virus is currently milder than at earlier stages in the pandemic resulting in a reduction in severity of illness and hospitalisation.

"The impact masks and face coverings can have on health and mental wellbeing, along with communication barriers, continues to be weighed against the protection provided against the risk of harm from Covid-19.

"Vaccination remains the greatest protection against Covid-19 and all those eligible for the spring booster are encouraged to get vaccinated.

"For more information, go to NHS inform to see if you're eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine."