HONG KONG (Reuters) – Authorities in Macau, the world’s biggest gambling hub, announced on Sunday that it would lift COVID 19-related mask requirements in most places except public transport, hospitals and a few other areas.
The rule change will take effect from Monday, the government said in a statement on its website.
“The epidemic situation in Macau has remained stable over the past two months,” it said.
“By learning from the experience of global epidemic prevention, the Coordinating Center for COVID-19 Response will adjust mask wearing requirements.”
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which borders Hong Kong, was one of the last places in the world to impose mask mandates and has extended mask mandates until March 8, but officials hope it will be lifted as soon as possible. It says it is.
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Both Hong Kong and Macau have followed China’s zero COVID policy for most of the past three years. Hong Kong started easing its strict COVID rules last year, but mask-wearing has remained constant for him since 2020.
Residents of mainland China are not required to wear masks outdoors, but authorities recommend wearing them in public indoor areas such as airports and train stations.
The Macau government said individuals who develop flu-like symptoms should wear masks when going out and the general public should carry face masks when commuting in the city.
(Reporting by Farah Master, Editing by Edmund Klamann)
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