The Scottish government has pushed back the date for lifting its mask mandates, saying it is “prudent” for this measure to remain in place in view of the “current spike” in COVID-19 cases. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said last month that the legal requirement to wear a mask on public transport and in some indoor settings would come to an end on March 21 “assuming no significant adverse developments in the course of the virus.” But she told the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday that ministers had agreed it would be “prudent” to keep the mandate in place for longer. She said she knew this would be “disappointing” and urged people to “be patient for a little while longer.” Sturgeon said, “Given the current spike in case numbers, we consider it prudent to retain this requirement in regulation for a further short period.” “Ensuring continued widespread use of face coverings …