POLICE Scotland did not have to issue any fines to people for breaking rules on face coverings in shops over the weekend, it has emerged.
On Friday face coverings became mandatory in shops, and have been compulsory on public transport for weeks.
Police can enforce the law with a fixed penalty notice as a last resort. Those with certain medical conditions or disabilities – as well as children under the age of five – are exempt from rules on face coverings.
According to the Scottish Government using the coverings can provide an extra layer of protection to limit the spread of Covid-19.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon hopeful Scots will follow face covering rules
England is set to follow suit and make face coverings mandatory in shops from July 24. If people do not comply they could be fined up to £100.
The UK Government decision comes after weeks of confusion, with Cabinet member Michael Gove saying just days ago that masks would not become compulsory.
In Scotland the First Minister has said she has seen evidence of “extremely high” compliance with the new rules.
During yesterday’s Scottish Government briefing, she said: "Everything I have seen and heard through reports and through my own brief visits to a couple of shops yesterday suggests compliance with the new law has been extremely high indeed and I want to thank everybody for that.
"It is what I would have expected but it is, of course, welcome."
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