Patients, staff and visitors at NHS Lothian facilities will no longer be asked to wear face masks following an update to Scottish Government guidelines.

Previously, government guidelines asked staff, patients and visitors to continue to wear face masks wile visiting NHS facilities to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Updated guidelines confirmed that, as of yesterday (May 16), this was no longer a requirement.

An NHS Lothian spokesperson said: “From Tuesday May 16, 2023, NHS Lothian staff will not routinely wear face masks when providing patient care or other services. This in response to updated guidance from the Scottish Government.

“NHS Lothian continues to assess and test patients admitted to hospital with signs and symptoms of respiratory viral infection.

“Our staff will continue to wear face masks when carrying out certain clinical procedures or providing care to patients with suspected or confirmed infections in line with national infection prevention and control policy.

“You do not have to wear a mask when visiting hospital anymore, however you are welcome to do so if you choose.

“We understand that some patients and visitors may be anxious about these changes, so please speak to your clinician or ward staff if you have any concerns.

“To help us protect our patients and our staff, we do ask that visitors continue to wash their hands or use hand gel on arriving at the hospital and when entering and leaving a ward.”

Speaking about the updated guidelines, chief nursing officer Alex McMahon said: “Due to the success of vaccines in protecting people, and the availability of treatments, now is the right time to revise the advice on wearing masks in health and social care settings and return to pre-pandemic guidance.

“We recognise that some staff may have concerns around the withdrawal of this guidance and would expect organisations to undertake individual occupational health assessments and risk assessments as appropriate.

“We continue to be vigilant in our response to Covid-19 and encourage everyone to make sure they are up to date with the boosters available to them. We are grateful for the tireless work of health and social care teams during these challenging times and to everyone who has helped them by adhering to the guidance.”