Macau ends outdoor mask mandate as Covid-19 situation stabilises, HK may follow
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People wearing face masks stand in front of the ruins of Saint Paul's in Macau, on Dec 29, 2022.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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HONG KONG – Macau said on Sunday it is easing its masking policy, citing a “stable” Covid-19 situation in the territory.
Starting Monday, people will not be required to wear masks while outdoors, according to a government statement.
Masks are still required for visitors entering medical institutions and elderly homes or while riding public transport, excluding taxis, the government said.
Easing Covid-19 concerns have led governments across many territories, including Taiwan and Singapore, to ease mask mandates as part of efforts to reopen their economies and attract tourists.
During the pandemic, Macau’s economy had been hammered by outbreaks and lockdowns in China – its biggest source of visitors.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong may allow residents to stop wearing masks by the end of next month,
The mask mandate, which began in July 2020 as Hong Kong battled the Covid-19 outbreak, could be lifted “towards the end of this season”, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said in an interview with Radio Television Hong Kong.
He was referring to the end of March, SCMP said, citing an unidentified person. Bloomberg
