Chinese language territory hopes the relief of its final coronavirus measures will lure again guests and increase enterprise.
Hong Kong will scrap its masks mandate on March 1, Chief Government John Lee has introduced, ending the territory’s final main coronavirus measure after almost 1,000 days.
Hong Kong adopted China’s zero-COVID coverage for a lot of the pandemic however started unwinding the stringent COVID rules final yr.
It hopes that the relief of COVID-19 curbs will lure again guests and kick-start enterprise.
“We predict that is the very best timing to make this choice. It’s a clear message to point out Hong Kong is resuming normalcy,” Lee stated.
In high-risk locations akin to hospitals, directors can determine whether or not to require employees and guests to put on masks, he added.
Hong Kong was one of many final locations on this planet to require face coverings in almost all public settings — indoors and outdoor — with everybody over the age of two required to put on a masks or danger a advantageous of as a lot as 10,000 Hong Kong {dollars} ($1,275).
Hong Kong’s rest of masks guidelines follows the lead of the neighbouring Chinese language territory of Macau, which relaxed its personal masks guidelines on Monday.
In mainland China, residents are usually not required to put on masks outdoor, though authorities encourage them to take action in indoor locations akin to airports and stations.
Earlier this month, Hong Kong launched a promotional marketing campaign referred to as “Good day Hong Kong” to lure again worldwide guests who’ve given the once-popular territory a large berth since 2020.
Enterprise teams, diplomats and plenty of residents stated the COVID-19 guidelines threatened Hong Kong’s competitiveness and standing as a global monetary centre.
