Scotland's mandatory face covering rules will now remain in force until April 18th, Nicola Sturgeon has announced.
The legal requirement to wear masks in shops and on public transport had been expected to be lifted next week.
But the first minister told MSPs that the changes would now not take effect until 18 April.
She said this was due to there still being a very high level of infection in Scotland, and because masks provide extra protection.
However, the requirement to wear a face covering in places of worship and while attending marriage and funeral services will end on 4 April.
Ms Sturgeon said this phased approach struck a "sensible balance between our desire to remove this one remaining legal measure and the common sense need for continued caution".
This is the second time the first minister has delayed lifting the face mask laws, which had originally been due to be removed on 21 March.
All of Scotland's other legal restrictions have already been phased out.
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Russell Borthwick, chief executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “Again we ask, where is the science to support this? Despite tighter restrictions Scotland continues to have higher infection rates so clearly these are not working.
“Meantime, why would tourists come here when they could choose the Lakes, Devon/Cornwall, West Wales, Ireland and enjoy the experience without having to don a mask whenever they venture indoors?
“At this rate, it's likely the Western Isles will get their new ferries before Scottish workers are allowed to walk from their office desks to get a cup of coffee without having to cover up half of their faces”
Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce added: “Even with the phased approach now announced by the First Minister, Covid rules remain more stringent in Scotland now than in England or Wales and the lack of a four-nations approach is causing concern, particularly its impact on a potentially unequal economic recovery.
“Tourism, for example, will be hit by this decision as the prolonging of Covid-19 rules is likely to make Scotland less attractive than other destinations, just as people are starting to think about booking Easter, spring and summer breaks here."