Face coverings mandatory on public transport

Face coverings are now compulsory on public transport in Scotland, with Transport Secretary Michael Matheson urging people to travel as little as possible.

Children under five and people with certain medical conditions are exempt from the new rule, covering buses, trains, the Glasgow Subway, Edinburgh trams, aircraft, enclosed areas onboard ferries, taxis and private hire cabs.

With capacity limited to around 10 to 20 per cent of normal, Matheson urged the public to leave space on buses and trains for the elderly and those in need.

Part of the move to phase two of the route map out of lockdown, dental practices will be allowed to see patients with urgent care needs, while places of worship will also reopen for individual prayer and professional sport can also resume behind closed doors.

Matheson said: “First of all I want to pay tribute to those transport operators and workers who have kept Scotland’s key workers moving in recent months, during an incredibly testing time.

“We are now in a position to enter phase two of the route map, however we must do so with great caution, as we cannot risk a resurgence of the virus and wasting all of the good work to date in terms of respecting boundaries and working from home.

“Transport has a vital role to play in helping restart the economy, but there is a clear and great need for personal and collective responsibility when travelling, especially by public transport.

“It’s also very important to leave space on public transport for those who need it most.

“Passengers who must travel will notice some major changes at our bus and train stations and transport hubs.

“More hand sanitisers, physical distancing measures, posters and information points, and, crucially, you should be wearing a face covering.”

Matheson added: “Remember capacity will be around 10 to 20% of normal, even when full services resume.

“It is therefore perhaps inevitable that there will be some circumstances where the two-metre rule is breached, even temporarily.

“That is why all passengers have to wear a face covering.

“I continue to engage directly with business leaders and major employers and I am encouraging them to embrace these changes which can help us all adapt to a new working and business environment.”