We use cookies to collect anonymous data to help us improve your site browsing experience.

Click 'Accept all cookies' to agree to all cookies that collect anonymous data. To only allow the cookies that make the site work, click 'Use essential cookies only.' Visit 'Set cookie preferences' to control specific cookies.

Set cookie preferences

Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Publication - Advice and guidance

Coronavirus (COVID-19): extended use of face masks and face coverings in hospitals, primary care and wider community healthcare

Last updated 9 May 2023 - see all updates
Directorate
Chief Nursing Officer Directorate
Part of
Coronavirus in Scotland, Health and social care

Guidance for staff within acute hospitals, community hospitals, primary care and wider community healthcare, together with advice for visitors, including those attending for an appointment. This guidance was withdrawn on 16 May 2023.

This document is part of a collection

Specific guidance for an individual’s home

This guidance was withdrawn on 16 May 2023.

From this date, healthcare settings should follow the infection prevention and control guidance within NHSScotland National infection prevention and control manual.

Healthcare workers who work with individuals within the social care setting are required to follow the guidance for social care settings. 

First published
9 November 2020
Last updated
9 May 2023 - show all updates

  1. Added note to pages advising guidance will be withdrawn on 16 May 2023.

  2. Text amendments made.

  3. Updated link on 'individual's home' chapter to link to social care guide.

  4. Updated: The recommendation that face masks are worn at all times is being removed for service users and visitors in social care settings and staff in these settings.

  5. Minor text amendment.

  6. Updates across all pages.

  7. Updated all pages.

  8. Guidance sections updated to reflect the Scottish Winter (21/22) Respiratory Infections in Health and Care Settings Addendum publication.

  9. Current, new and more information guidance sections updated to reflect latest position.

  10. Updated New additional guidance - hospital staff, How to support visitors and More information (questions and answers)

  11. Revised guidance to reflect removal of guide for care home settings. Care homes has been made into separate guidance.

  12. Updated version of guidance and questions and answers added in html.

  13. Updated FAQ guidance.

  14. Updated guidance and FAQs to reflect changes to national face coverings guidance.

  15. Updates to the FAQs

  16. Updated FAQ guidance, title and summary amended to reflect widened guidance.

  17. Replaced CNO letter with updated version.

  18. Updated guidance and FAQ

  19. Added document with answers to frequently asked questions as an attachment.

Back to top