Coronavirus: lift mask mandate for outdoors after winter flu threat, Hong Kong government pandemic adviser urges
- Chinese University professor and government pandemic adviser David Hui says masks should still be worn on public transport, as well as in hospitals and care homes
- On the reopening of the border with mainland China, he says half a year still needed for pandemic situation up north to stabilise before easing existing travel measures
Hong Kong should consider dropping its mask mandate after winter for most outdoor venues while keeping the requirement for face coverings on public transport as well as in hospitals and care homes, a top government pandemic adviser has urged.
Chinese University respiratory medicine professor David Hui Shu-cheong on Saturday raised the suggestion on a radio programme, pointing out that the healthcare system should be protected for now from being overwhelmed by Covid-19 infections and seasonal flu cases.
His comments were in line with South Korea’s announcement a day earlier to lift its mask rules for most places, the latest Asian country to ease such measures.
“Shedding the mask mandate can be considered after winter if the epidemic situation continues to stabilise. But it doesn’t mean completely ditching face coverings,” said Hui, who has been advising authorities on pandemic matters since Covid-19 hit the city.
He said once the mask mandate was lifted, people should still use face coverings at “high-risk venues” such as on public transport, in hospitals, clinics and care homes, following in the footsteps of South Korea and Singapore.
City leader John Lee Ka-chiu had said he aimed to remove mask rules in March at the earliest if there was no rebound in cases.
