Mask requirement lifted in Hong Kong after 945 days

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, in his statement, stressed that life in the city returned to normal with the removal of the mask requirement and that they would prioritize reviving the economy in the new year.

The requirement to wear masks in public places, introduced in June 2020 due to the Covid-19 outbreak, was one of the latest decisions of the Chinese government’s strict epidemic prevention and control measures, which it calls “zero cases,” which is still being implemented in Hong Kong.

Following the decision, the city’s mask requirement was lifted after 945 days.

Hong Kong media reported that, although it is not mandatory, most of the city’s residents continue to wear masks in open areas today.

The Beijing administration decided to relax epidemic control measures in mainland China in December 2022 and opened its borders to the outside world from January 8, 2023.

The Hong Kong government also followed the central government in gradually relaxing the measures.

The requirement to wear masks has been lifted in Hong Kong, except for some indoor gatherings and events in mainland China.

Those who do not comply with the mask requirement in the city could be fined up to HK$5,000 (approximately $640). (AA)