Nicola Sturgeon was unable to answer a question from The Herald during her coronavirus briefing yesterday on whether face masks are required in open plan offices, but the Scottish Government later issued a clarification on the matter.
New rules in place from today have made face coverings mandatory in staff canteens and when in indoor communal areas in workplaces.
The Scottish Government said this would include passageways, stairs, lifts, staff rooms, training rooms, changing rooms and entrances, meaning the rule extends to meeting and conference rooms.
Whether workers are required to wear a face mask while at their desk in an open plan office is still unclear. However, the Scottish Government said that “in general” the law would not apply when a worker is at their workspace.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “In general a communal space will be any area where you are not at your workspace and may mix with others.
“We know every workplace is different and therefore the list in the regulations is illustrative and there may be other communal areas where people gather, where 2m distancing is difficult to maintain, and where face coverings should be worn.”
New, updated guidance around workplaces will be released in the coming days by the Scottish Government to help clarify what employees and employers need to do in regards to Covid-19.
As with other Covid-19 laws, breaching the rules could lead to a £60 fine.