The Central Epidemic Command Center says it plans to discuss in mid-April whether to remove the mask-wearing mandate on public transportation. The center made the announcement after noting an increase of only 9,908 local COVID-19 cases on Tuesday. That’s the second consecutive day with less than 10,000 reported cases.
The center’s spokesperson Lo Yi-chun (羅一鈞) says Hong Kong will cancel mask requirements for indoor and outdoor settings and public transportation beginning March 1.
Taiwan just lifted the indoor mask-wearing mandate on February 20, and schools will drop the requirement on March 6. Lo says the next step will be zero quarantine for COVID cases and not having to report mild symptoms to authorities. Therefore, Lo says the center likely won’t discuss until mid-April whether to remove the mask wearing mandate on public transportation.
Lo says there are still many countries that require masks on public transport. He adds that even though Hong Kong will not require masks on buses and trains beginning March 1, it will still be mandatory in medical facilities and hospitals.
