A face covering exemption card has been produced for people who are unable to wear one.

While the rules state that everyone should wear a face covering in public places, public transport, shops and workplaces, some are exempt due to health conditions.

Those who are exempt can apply for the card.

Shirley Anne Somerville, Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People said: “Discrimination against people in this situation is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“We have developed this card in conjunction with a range of equality stakeholders as something which can clearly communicate to others if you are exempt from the regulations.”

The face covering exemption card is branded with the Healthier Scotland and NHS Scotland logos under the FACTS for a Safer Scotland campaign.

A physical card can be requested from Disability Equality Scotland to wear on a lanyard or hold in a wallet, while a digital card is also available to be displayed on a phone, tablet or other device.

Exemptions include inability to wear face covering due to health conditions or disabilities, or for those providing care for someone with a health condition or disability, or if a face covering cannot be applied and worn in the proper manner safely and consistently.

Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Scotland, said:

“We are pleased that a Government backed exemption card has been created and we hope this will ensure no one faces any more prejudice during this very stressful time.”