BORIS Johnson, members of the royal family and world leaders were pictured without face masks during a VIP COP26 event, in contravention of Scottish guidance around Covid-19.
Heads of states and governments gathered at the Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow on Monday evening for an exclusive dinner that was guarded by hundreds of police and led to road closures across the area.
In attendance at the event were prince William and Kate, the Earl and Countess of Strathearn, prince Charles and Camilla, the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, along with the UK Prime Minister and leaders from around the world who are attending the climate summit, including Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
They were seen without face masks at the event, despite the Scottish Government having clear rules that face coverings should be worn at all indoor locations, including museums to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
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The Scottish Government's guidance on face coverings says that "by law, everyone aged 12 and over must wear a face covering, unless exempt, in most indoor public spaces". This includes museums like Kelvingrove.
While there is not a mandate to wear a face mask while sitting down for a meal, many of the world leaders were seen talking closely without social distancing before they sat down for the exclusive dinner.
When asked why Johnson was not wearing a face mask at the event, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister said: "The Prime Minister has abided by the Covid-19 guidance at COP26 throughout. Attendees and delegates are not required to wear a face mask when they are seated as per the COP26 guidance."
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Certain areas of Glasgow have become UN territory for COP26 including the Scottish Events Campus (SEC) which will be under the control of UN officials until the end of the event in two weeks time.
However, this does not extend to areas like Kelvingrove, meaning the Scottish Government's policy on face coverings to guard against the spread of Covid-19 applies at the venue.
It's not clear why the mask mandate was not enforced at the event.
The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.
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