Nicola Sturgeon apologises for breaching Covid rules

world
Nicola Sturgeon Apologises For Breaching Covid Rules
A photograph shows Nicola Sturgeon chatting to three women in a bar while standing at a distance but without wearing a mask. Photo: Andrew Milligan/Pool/Getty Images
Share this article

By Lucinda Cameron, PA Scotland

Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon has apologised after she breached Covid rules by taking off her face mask at a funeral wake.

A photograph published in the Scottish Sun showed Ms Sturgeon chatting to three women in a bar while standing at a distance but without wearing a mask.

Advertisement

Under Scottish government coronavirus rules, customers in hospitality venues must wear a face covering except when seated and must wear one when moving around.

 

Advertisement

Ms Sturgeon was attending a funeral wake for a Scottish Government civil servant.

She said: “Last Friday, while attending a funeral wake, I had my mask off briefly. This was a stupid mistake and I’m really sorry.

“I talk every day about the importance of masks, so I’m not going to offer any excuses.

“I was in the wrong, I’m kicking myself, and I’m sorry.”

Advertisement

Advertisement

The Scottish Sun reported that she was at the Stable Bar and Restaurant after attending a funeral at the nearby Mortonhall Crematorium.

A Scottish Conservative spokesman said: “The First Minister should know better.

“By forgetting the rules and failing to set a proper example, she’s undermining essential public health messaging.

Advertisement

“It’s a blunder that an ordinary member of the public wouldn’t get away with. There cannot be one rule for Nicola Sturgeon and another for everyone else.”

Under coronavirus regulations introduced on September 14th in Scotland, face coverings for customers and staff are mandatory when entering, exiting and moving around hospitality venues.

The rules state: “There is an exemption for when customers are seated for the service of food and drink and for back of house roles such as kitchen staff or staff who are behind protective screens separating them from customers.”

Those who breach the face covering rules can face a £60 (€66) fine.

World
Record levels believe Scotland would now vote for...
Read More

Scotland’s justice secretary Humza Yousaf tweeted: “FM has approached pandemic by being upfront from v beginning.

“She has apologised for accidental lapse (which I suspect most of us have had one over last 9 months).

“I’ve known her for 15yrs & she is her harshest critic. I am sure most ppl will understand, accept apology & move on.”

Read More

Message submitting... Thank you for waiting.

Want us to email you top stories each lunch time?

Download our Apps
© BreakingNews.ie 2024, developed by Square1 and powered by PublisherPlus.com