Mask ban lifted in Hong Kong after 3 years

In Hong Kong, China, the obligation to wear masks, which was applied as part of pandemic measures, was lifted exactly 959 days later. Hong Kong, with a population of 7.5 million, was the last city to lift the ban.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, in his statement, emphasized 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 continues to be implemented in Hong Kong.

After the decision, the mask requirement in the city 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 the epidemic control measures in mainland China in December 2022, and opened its borders to the outside world as of January 8, 2023.

The Hong Kong government also followed the central government to gradually loosen the measures.

The requirement to wear masks was lifted in mainland China, with the exception of some indoor meetings and events, while it was maintained in Hong Kong.

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

(AA)