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Hong Kong will drop its COVID-19 masks mandate, chief government John Lee stated on Tuesday, in a transfer to lure again guests and enterprise and restore regular life greater than three years after stringent guidelines have been first imposed within the monetary hub.
The measure will take impact from Wednesday, Lee informed a press briefing. The particular administrative area of Hong Kong is likely one of the final locations globally that also imposes a masks mandate.
Hong Kong and Macau each adopted China’s zero-COVID coverage for a lot of the previous three years. Hong Kong began unwinding its stringent COVID guidelines final yr however mask-wearing has remained fixed since 2020.
“We expect that is one of the best timing to make this choice. It’s a clear message to point out Hong Kong is resuming normalcy,” Lee stated.
In excessive threat locations similar to hospitals, directors can determine whether or not to require workers and guests to put on masks, he stated.
Individuals carrying face masks stroll via Wan Chai in the course of the coronavirus illness (COVID-19) pandemic in Hong Kong, China, April 14, 2022. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu
Neighbouring particular administrative area Macau, stated on Feb 26 that it will drop COVID 19-related masks necessities for many areas, aside from public transportation, hospitals and a handful of different areas.
In mainland China residents aren’t required to put on masks open air, though authorities encourage them to take action in public indoor areas similar to airports and prepare stations.
Hong Kong’s transfer to scrap masks comes after its authorities this month launched a promotional marketing campaign referred to as “Hey Hong Kong” to deliver again vacationers and companies which have steered away from the previous British colony since 2020.
Hong Kong had caught rigidly to its masks rule, even in colleges the place kids as younger as 2 years previous have been mandated to put on them outdoors their houses. Many college students and lecturers have been involved in regards to the influence on studying and youngster improvement.
College students are nonetheless mandated to take each day speedy antigen exams to examine for COVID though authorities introduced final week that this may be scrapped ranging from March 1 for secondary college college students and first colleges and nurseries from March 15.
Enterprise teams, diplomats and plenty of residents had slammed Hong Kong’s COVID-19 guidelines, saying they threatened its competitiveness and standing as a global monetary centre.
Supply: Reuters
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