Hong Kong scraps mask mandate after almost 1,000 days
HONG Kong is scrapping its mask mandate from Wednesday, Chief Executive John Lee announced, ending the financial hub’s last major Covid curb as it seeks to emerge from the pandemic.
The city was one of the last places in the world to require face coverings in virtually all public settings, with everyone over the age of two required to wear one or face a fine of up to HK$10,000 (S$1,717).
“I announce that the masking requirement will be completely cancelled starting tomorrow, March 1, including for indoors, outdoors and (on) public transportation,” Lee said at a brief press conference on Tuesday.
He added that hospitals and elderly homes can impose their own restrictions.
The mask mandate was imposed three years ago, and had remained in place for nearly 1,000 days.
Hong Kong’s lifting of its restrictions comes after the neighbouring Chinese territory of Macau relaxed its own mask rules on Monday, dropping the measure except for high-risk public areas, such as hospitals. AFP
GET BT IN YOUR INBOX DAILY
Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
International
US firms announce fewer new hires in April: Challenger report
Hong Kong growth beats forecast as recovery gains traction
If inflation continues to build, the Fed won’t be able to maintain neutral stance for long
Thailand to increase daily minimum wage to 400 baht in Oct
UK set for weak growth and highest inflation in G7, OECD says
German manufacturing downturn eases in April, PMI survey shows