First person fined in Scotland for refusing to wear a face covering - in a Jedburgh shop

The first person has been fined for not wearing a face covering in Scotland.

Police said the £60 fixed penalty notice was issued to a man who refused to comply with the law in a supermarket in Jedburgh on July 16.

The shopper is the only person who has been fined since the new rules came into force on July 10.

Face coverings are mandatory in enclosed public spaces where physical distancing is made difficult, such as shops or public transport.

One person has been fined in Scotland for refusing to wear a face mask.

However there are a number of exemptions, including people with certain medical conditions or children under the age of five.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said: "The Chief Constable has made it clear that we are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to stay safe, protect others and save lives by preventing the virus from spreading.

"Our officers will continue to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance and encourage compliance. We will use enforcement as a last resort only where there is a clear breach of the legislation.

"A number of exemptions exist that mean certain people are not required to wear a face covering in a shop.

"We would encourage people to raise any concerns with business owners or staff in the first instance."

The Scottish Government says physical distancing, hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene are the “most important and effective things we can all do to prevent the spread of coronavirus" and that wearing face covering should not be viewed as an alternative to these precautions.

Face coverings do not need to be surgical or medical-grade and can be made of cloth or other textiles, such as a scarf or religious head covering that covers the nose and mouth.

A face visor can also be used as long as the nose and mouth is covered completely.