FACEMASKS will no longer be needed for people visiting Inverclyde Royal and other health and social care settings from next week under new Scottish Government guidance.

The updated policy will come into effect on Tuesday May 16, with patients and visitors to all health and care settings including adult care homes not required to wear a mask or face covering unless advised by staff.

The advice covers all hospitals, health centres, community sectors, primary care facilities and care homes within the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHS GGC) health board region and across the rest of Scotland.

Last week, the World Health Organisation declared Covid-19 'over as a global health emergency' but said it is still a 'global health threat'.

READ MORE: Covid-19 no longer global health emergency, says World Health Organisation

In an explainer for the rule change, NHS GGC said: "Fluid resistance surgical masks provide protection to the wearer and those around them, and therefore have a purpose within health and social care settings.

"However, we are in a position now where the extended use of masks and face coverings should be for particular situations and not the default position.

"Although Covid-19 continues to spread, transmission rates are lower and the virus is currently milder than at earlier stages in the pandemic resulting in a reduction in severity of illness and hospitalisation.

"The impact masks and face coverings can have on health and mental wellbeing, along with communication barriers, continues to be weighed against the protection provided against the risk of harm from Covid-19."

The health board said 'vaccination remains the greatest protection against Covid-19' and all those eligible for the spring booster are encouraged to get vaccinated.