A group representing Scottish healthcare workers suffering from Long Covid has called for the return of face masks in hospitals and care homes.

In a letter to the Scottish government the Scottish Healthcare Workers Coalition said the decision to scrap the requirement in May was “flawed and dangerous”.

David Osborn, a chartered safety and health practitioner, said: “It is unclear that any health and safety risk assessment was undertaken by the Scottish government before making their decision to abandon universal masking which is viewed by some patients as playing Russian roulette with their health.”

A Scottish government spokesman said: “The guidance on the extended use of face masks and face coverings in health and social care settings was withdrawn in May.

“This means that patients, service users, staff and visitors are no longer strongly recommended to wear face masks or coverings in these settings.

“This is a proportionate approach which recognises that Scotland continues to adapt to the Covid-19 pandemic and has entered a calmer phase of the pandemic.

“Any change to the extended use of face masks and face coverings guidance is in relation to the latest scientific evidence and is continually under review.

“The removal of this extended guidance does not stop or prevent staff, service users or visitors from wearing a mask.”