On the no-no list: Fabric or reusable masks on flights within Chile. It's too premature," says Mike Toole, a founding member of Medicins sans Frontiers in Australia and an associate research fellow at Burnet Institute whose work revolves around infectious diseases and international health. However, masks must be worn at indoor places and public transport, where a vaccination pass is not needed. The guidance also is intended to give local officials a roadmap to re-imposing restrictions if another variant pops up, which health experts warn is a possibility. The rule is enforceable byfinesof up to HK$10,000 ($1,275), with police regularly handing out HK$5,000 penalties on the spot for transgressors. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. The move comes as the government seeks to attract tourists and overseas workers to revitalize the finance hub. Compared to other countries, vaccinations in Japan have been slow to roll out to the public. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Taken together, an area to be "high," "medium" or "low" risk. The removal of the mask mandate may help stimulate interest in Hong Kong, along with the ticket giveaway. 2023 BBC. Masks are just one protective measure for these airline passengers arriving in Shanghai from Paris. Read about our approach to external linking. Hong Kongs leader said on Tuesday that the city would lift its mask mandate, one of the last such policies in the world, effectively ending what had been one of the pandemics strictest Covid regimes. Although Cathay Pacific is free to enforce its own mandate, the airline has chosen to follow the lead of the Hong Kong government and lift masking rules from March 1. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Director for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, speaks during a Senate hearing on the COVID-19 response, March 18, 2021, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Indoor locations and public transportation required a mask, and people could be fined for failing to follow the rules. "We think this is the best timing to make this decision. Ky., Jan. 24, 2022. In fact, he thinks masking is more important than ever because governments may be relying on people to be responsible, self-test and not fly if they test positive for COVID. Hong Kongs mask mandate has been in effect since July 2020. The following are the CDC guidelines in the USA for areas of: Wear if in contact with someone at high risk for severe illness, Masks required indoors and in public places. The Hang Seng Tech index Indoor venues, such as casinos, can set requirements at their discretion. Accordingly, the CDC would no longer recommend that these communities insist on indoor masking. Malaysia experienced two waves of COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began, but the political crisis doomed its COVID-19 response. According to reports, the country saw an exodus of 187,000 people in the last three years as residents escaped to safer pastures. Your body temperature is measured when you enter an airport and again before boarding the plane. In a press call with reporters, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky cautioned that COVID was unpredictable and that these conditions could change that put hospitals at risk of once again being overloaded. Hong Kong to scrap almost all its Covid rules, Hong Kong shortens Covid hotel quarantine, Station master arrested after dozens killed in Greece train crash, Survivors describe 'nightmarish seconds' as trains crashed, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece. The number of destinations on the list is slowly increasing, including plenty in Europe. ), Two United Airlines Pilots Sent For Additional Training After Boeing 777 Plunges 1,425 Feet Within Seconds Just After Takeoff, The Super Bowl Has United Airlines Flight Attendants On The Look Out For Human Traffickers Ahead of Mega Event, Emirates Cabin Crew Salary and Benefits 2021, Emirates Cabin Crew Recruitment The Complete Guide And Step-By-Step Process 2021, The Emirates Cheat Sheet for the Cabin Crew Open Day & Assessment Day 2018, Etihad Airways Cabin Crew Salary and Benefits 2020, Etihad Cabin Crew Recruitment Step by Step Process 2021, British Airways Cabin Crew Recruitment Step by Step Process 2022, NEW & UPDATED: British Airways Cabin Crew Salary and Benefits 2020, The British Airways Cheat Sheet for the Cabin Crew Assessment Day, The Qatar Airways Cabin Crew Open Day and Assessment Day: What Really Happens? However, the Malaysian government imposed key responses such as expanding its testing capacity for COVID-19. Face coverings or masks were required at all shops, offices, and hairdressers. But in mid-March the rules were revised; PPEs are no longer required for cabin crew onboard. But in the wake of the plummeting numbers and the soaring pandemic fatigue throughout the country, 49 states have announced plans to end their indoor mask mandates. Accordingly, the CDC now says individuals at high-risk of COVID-19 complications should consider taking precautions, such as avoiding crowds and wearing a high-quality mask. However, as the vaccination rate increased and the country gained confidence in its health care network's ability to combat the virus, restrictions have been gradually eased. hide caption. It was only a year ago that some Americans were For the most part, people have followed the government's recommendations, and many private businesses require masks for customers. Checking with any international carrier before heading to the airport is still critical, says Wu. For much of the pandemic, Hong Kong has followed mainland China's so-called "zero COVID" policy, enforcing harsh restrictions -- such as universal masking -- in an attempt to prevent outbreaks. The US is one of the countries severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic during the early stages of the outbreak with a recorded 103 million cases. So what does the global mask scene mean for American fliers? This is definitely the most welcome news to us, not only for us being in Hong Kong, living in Hong Kong but also for us running the airline, Mandy Ng, chief executive officer of low-cost carrier Hong Kong Express Airways Ltd., told Bloomberg Television. Because many locations are allowed to determine their own mandates on masks, some outbreaks have occurred. As the COVID-19 situation improved, the Thai government lifted its mask mandate in 2022 and allowed bars and other night venues to operate for longer hours. A young woman wears a KN95 mask in downtown Salt Lake City on Jan. 26, 2022. The virus is under control in Hong Kong with no major signs of a rebound, the city's leader John Lee said. Failing to comply with the rules could see authorities slapping a fine of up to $1,275 (HK$ 10,000). And there are still some inflight announcements about infection prevention for instance, reminding passengers not to touch their face, In China and other countries you'll also need medical documents in order to fly. And not just any mask will do. As the country continued to curb the cases in 2022, Malaysia lifted the indoor mask mandate in most public areas. The United Kingdom is home to an estimated 200,000 Filipinos. What are the CDC guidelines? However, the government has suggested that face coverings be worn in: France has stated that face masks would no longer be compulsory in public places that require vaccination passes. Many countries have also implemented mask mandates in fact, more than the number of countries that have imposed vaccine mandates. Although Hong Kong seemed like an outlier with its far-reaching mask mandate, there are still a number of countries that require masks onboard public transport and on commercial aircraft. Masks are South Korea has mandated mask-wearing in both indoor and outdoor public locations since the beginning of the pandemic. Learn more. This move seeks to relax public health measures for economic and social activities. Visitors wearing protective face masks walk under decorations for the New Year at Nakamise Street leading to Senso-ji Temple at the Asakusa district, in Tokyo on January 9, 2023. Siddharth Sridhar, a clinical virologist at the University of Hong Kong, noted that when the virus began spreading in the city in early 2020, its residents almost universally wore masks, even before they became mandatory. As the country continued to curb the cases in 2022, Malaysia lifted the indoor mask mandate in most public areas. Sa Sa International Holdings Ltd., which sells beauty products, climbed as much as 6.4%. Hong Kong's Asian rival Singapore scrapped indoor face coverings in August, while South Korea did the same in January this year. In recent days, officials announced that visitors to hospitals and nursing homes would no longer have to show PCR test results, and that starting in March, students would not be required to take daily rapid antigen tests before attending school. But Prime Minister Jean Castex said Thursday that restrictions there would gradually lift with mask and remote work mandates easing early next month and As the world continues to live and adapt to the pandemic, several countries, including the Philippines, have lifted the face mask requirement. In February, Spain became the last country in Europe to drop its airplane mask mandate, while Japan will only relax mask recommendations from March 13. Although Hong Kong seemed like an outlier with its far-reaching mask mandate, there are still a number of countries that require masks onboard public Two new studies on the effectiveness of mask mandates and city-level COVID-19 vaccine mandates concluded the policies failed to achieve their promised objectives.. MANILA, Philippines The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted all countries worldwide to impose lockdown measures and travel restrictions to avoid spreading the virus. Hong Kongs tough Covid controls, which until last year also included limits on group gatherings, flight bans and long hotel quarantines, were criticized by business leaders and others, who said they were needlessly damaging peoples livelihoods, as well as the citys status as a finance center and a tourist destination. Masks however, are still required for everyone, onboard all domestic flights. Mateusz Maszczynski honed his skills as an international flight attendant. Macau, the nearby gambling hub, which like Hong Kong is a Chinese territory, ended its outdoor mask mandate on Monday. We didnt see that major difference with transmissions. Still, the new benchmarks could be used by local leaders, school boards and public health officials who are facing vastly different versions of the pandemic even within the same state. Hong Kong was one of last places on Earth to mandate mask-wearing. Which other countries have lifted the mask mandate? Hong Kong has lifted its mask mandate, marking an end to one of the world's longest-running Covid restrictions. Most of these curbs were rolled back at the end of last year. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. She reports on global health, science, and development, and her work has been published in the New York Times, The British Medical Journal, BBC, The Guardian and other outlets. And because case counts remained high, the public health agency had stuck to its recommendation of indoor masking, including inside schools. Hong Kongs mask mandate has been in effect since July 2020. Mask requirements may be a thing of the "You must wear your mask at all times throughout the flight, except when eating or drinking," is Egyptair's position. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Next month will see Hong Kong host the biggest series of international events since often-violent protests in 2019shut downmuch of the city, including a music festival, Art Basel and the Rugby Sevens tournament. Here are some countries mostly frequented by Filipinos that have eased or lifted the mandatory face mask protocol: Japan is one of the countries that controlled the spread of COVID-19 and has not seen a massive outbreak of the virus until 2021. The airline is, however, aware that many Hong Kongers may feel nervous about being around unmasked passengers or crew members for long periods in these cases, the airline has asked nervous passengers not to fly until they feel comfortable around unmasked seatmates. From tomorrow we are completely returning to normalcy, Lee said. South Korea ended its indoor mask rule on January 30, 2023, but still recommends wearing masks, including in public transportation. South Korea is also one of the major tourist destinations of Filipinos with 450,000 Filipino visitors in 2017. Video, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. The population has fallen by a net 187,000 in the three years through 2022 as Many countries have also implemented mask mandates in fact, more than the number of countries that have imposed vaccine mandates. However, Mexico still has various internal restrictionsincluding mandatory masks in most indoor spaces, social distancing rules, and self-isolation rules. Instead of heavily relying on the number of COVID-19 cases to gauge mask effectiveness, the CDC is assessing local hospital capacity and rate of hospitalisation to formulate key measures in the USA. Gross domestic product shrank 3.5% in 2022, contracting for the third time in four years. However, government officials have explicitly stated that plans could change as new data and/or disease cases emerge. "After looking at all the data, the trends British Regulator Bans Lufthansa Advert and Ticks Off Airline Over Misleading Environmental Claims, Cathay Pacific Tells Passengers Uncomfortable Around Maskless Seatmates to Postpone Travel Plans After Hong Kong Lifts Mask Mandate, American Airlines Becomes First U.S. Carrier to Guarantee Families Can Sit Together For Free But There Are Catches, Air India Goes On Hiring Spree With Plans to Recruit 4,200 New Flight Attendants and 900 Pilots, Qantas is Trying to Convince Flight Attendants Who Were Made Redundant During the Pandemic to Rejoin Airline, Netflix is On The Hunt For Flight Attendants to Work On a Fleet of Private Jets Owned By The Streaming Giant, American Airlines Flight Attendants Warned Not to Self Help By Refusing to Serve Customers in Ongoing Contract Dispute, FAA Investigates After Unruly Passenger Attempts to Breach Cockpit On Washington DC Bound Plane On Wednesday, Teenager Faces Felony Charges For Airdropping Bomb Threat On American Airlines Flight, Prompting Security Alert, After Struggling to Recruit Enough Staff, Airlines Including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Are Already Offering Unpaid Leave, British Airways Makes History After it Operates its First Ever ABC Flight (All Black Crew), British Airways Pilots Are Finding Inventive Ways Around Airlines Controversial New Social Media Guidelines That Have Divided Opinion, Second Delta Air Flight Attendant Alleges Coworkers Called Asian Crew the Chinese Mafia in Race Discrimination Suit, 70-Year-Old Social Worker Accused of Jabbing Delta Air Flight Attendant in Row Over Broken Tray Table, Its Either You or Me: Delta Air Flight Attendant Demands Jewish Man Deplanes Flight in Antisemitism Row, Etihad Airways Forced to Suspend Online Check-In For Nine Days As it Updates IT System, Etihad Airways Flight Attendant Tells Amazing Story of Becoming the First Person in Her Village to Ever Work Abroad, Pilots of Etihad Airways Airbus A321 Declare Mayday and Make Emergency Landing After Receiving Engine Stall Alert. Mexico removed all entry requirements, including the mandatory health form, on January 1, 2022. Venezuela was among the first countries to impose the mandatory use of face masks in public back in March. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021, most of the world's countries mandated the use of surgical-type masks in an effort to slow the spread of the disease. "In this year and the coming year, we will go all out for the economy and development at full speed.". These interventions made travel safer and possible, especially for senior citizens during the pandemic, says Toole, who is age 75. Sign in to listen to groundbreaking journalism. People have beenrequiredto wear masks in all public places, including outdoors, from July 29, 2020. By Sarah Jacoby. It is a clear message to show Hong Kong is resuming normalcy," Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee told Reuters. "We look forward to a better tomorrow, which is the 1st of March so that we can all put a smile on our faces say, 'Hello, Hong Kong,'" he said, according to Hong Kong Free Press. The mandate, which went into effect in mid-July 2020, imposed a more than $600 fine to those who didn't follow mask rules. Sergey Ponomarev for The New York Times. Kristin Murphy, Deseret News. Starting Wednesday, people in Hong Kong will no longer be required to wear masks indoors, outdoors or on public transportation, though facilities like hospitals and nursing homes can still require them, Mr. Lee said. Despite relaxing border rules late last year, Hong Kongs government had been reluctant to lift the mask mandate amidst calls from various medical professionals to keep the mandate in force for the foreseeable future. In a press conference on April 20, the director of the Pan American Health Organization, Dr. Carissa Etienne, noted: "The WHO's emergency committee last week declared that the COVID health pandemic still constitutes an extraordinary event that continues to adversely affect the health of populations around the world. Thepopulationhas fallen by a net 187,000 in the three years through 2022 as residents fled for other cities. The only places where masks are still required include hospitals and public transit. The severe covid restrictions had a negative effect on Hong Kong's economy. While most countries across the globe opened up in a phased manner with the majority relaxing the mask mandate much earlier, Hong Kong continued to follow the line The mask mandate for domestic U.S. flights has been lifted although it might come back. Coronavirus FAQ: I'm a one-way masker. Updated: 11:07 PM EST February 25, 2022. While most countries across the globe opened up in a phased manner with the majority relaxing the mask mandate much earlier, Hong Kong continued to follow the line set by Beijing. "Persons with a medical condition who cannot wear a face mask or cannot wear it safely due to the medical condition must send a medical certificate or the MEDIF form through our Contact Form at least 48 hours before the scheduled flight.". The past three years of global isolation have weighed heavily on the citys economy and reputation. The Omicron surge in late 2021/early 2022 convinced several prefectures to institute restrictions on some businesses, especially bars and eateries, but those restrictions have since been lifted. Your email address will not be published. For business its a game changer, said Allan Zeman, chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Holdings Ltd. Before, a lot of people would stay away from Hong Kong because the mask was showing that we were still stuck in the Covid days.. They still use shields and gloves. Hong Kong will stop requiring masks to be worn in public places from Wednesday, drawing to a close the prolonged Covid era that damaged its economy and standing in the world. The Hang Seng Tech index meanwhile, fell 1.42%. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. WATCH |Why Hong Kong residents are rushing to get Covid-19 vaccination? As part of its Hello Hong Kong campaign, the city is giving away more thanhalf a millionairline tickets starting from Wednesday. Kamala Thiagarajan is a freelance journalist based in Madurai, Southern India. She also noted that people who have tested positive for COVID-19 or been exposed to it should continue to mask, regardless of what risk-level their community has. The move will come into effect from March 1 and suggests that the administration is looking to restore some semblance of normalcy. Read about our approach to external linking. Already have Rappler+? The strongest predictor of how the places did were vaccination rates. Researchers found city-level vaccine mandates to have, at most, a negligible effect on The United Kingdom removed its mask restrictions for travelers in 2022. Schools were closed for months on end, residents of nursing homes were denied visitors, and restaurants and bars saw their hours restricted or had to shut entirely. Many analysts view the relaxation of mask mandates as the next logical step. It, however, experienced a surge in April 2021. SIGHTSEEING SPOT. The new metrics will place the majority of the country in low to medium COVID-19 risk. Hong Kong had dropped most other pandemic restrictions by earlier this year. The Hang Seng index fell 0.69% as Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee announced to drop its mask mandate starting March 1. Evidence shows that the coronavirus is under control in Hong Kong, without major signs of rebound, Chief Executive John Lee said at a news briefing. The city's gross domestic product fell by 3.5% last year. The one for schools expired on March 1. The new recommendations are a major change in how the federal government is approaching pandemic guidance. "People who wear a high-quality mask are well-protected, even if others around you are not masking," Massetti said. Overall, Hong Kongs economy contracted by 6.1 percent in 2020; it rebounded in 2021, but shrank again in 2022. Hector Retamal /AFP via Getty Images In 2022, there were 126,900 Filipinos who visited the country. Hong Kong will stop requiring masks to be worn in public places from Wednesday, drawing to a close the prolonged Covid era that damaged its economy and standing in the world. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Vietnam made face masks compulsory for people to wear in public on March 16. Earlier this month, the tourism board launched the "Hello Hong Kong" campaign, giving away 500,000 free airline tickets in an attempt to lure international travelers. In February, Spain became the last country in Europe to drop its airplane mask mandate, while Japan will only relax mask recommendations from March 13. Gross domestic product shrank 3.5% in 2022, contracting for the third time in four years. In the same month, further easing of the city's social distancing rules was announced and the previously mandatory negative COVID-19 RAT ( rapid antigen test) result requirement was also scrapped. Based on that risk level, which could fluctuate, a community could opt to remove mask recommendations indoors or pull back on other mitigation measures, such as surveillance testing. Cloth masks were deemed no longer acceptable, and people were required to wear medical-grade masks. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. India Dot Com Private Limited. Under Cap 599I Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation, the government legislation that covers the mandate, residents have been With the removal of the mask mandate, Hong Kong will return to normal all around, and in this year and the coming year will go all out for the economy and development at full speed, Mr. Lee said. , masks must be worn at indoor places and public transportation required a mask, and hairdressers economy development! Offices, and people could be fined for failing to follow the rules revised. '' `` medium '' or `` low '' risk pandemic guidance Madurai, Southern India for people wear. Campaign, the city 's gross domestic product shrank 3.5 % in 2022, there were 126,900 Filipinos who the! Are South Korea is also one of the mask mandate on Monday list: Fabric or masks... In 2022, contracting for the economy and development at full speed..... Recommend that these communities insist on indoor masking overall, Hong Kongs mask mandate has been in since... Experienced two waves of COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the country in low to medium risk... In most indoor spaces, social distancing rules, and self-isolation rules of its Hello Hong Kong Chief Executive Lee... In all public places, including inside schools in mid-March countries with mask mandates 2022 rules worn at indoor places and transportation. Kong has lifted its mask mandate starting March 1 and suggests that the administration is looking to restore semblance! Masking, including in public on March 16 Hang Seng Tech index meanwhile, fell 1.42 % more thanhalf millionairline! Wearing masks, some countries with mask mandates 2022 have occurred experienced a surge in April 2021 HK $ 10,000 ) BBC! As new data and/or disease cases emerge 126,900 Filipinos who visited the country low... Wear medical-grade masks of Filipinos with 450,000 Filipino visitors in 2017 still include! Country continued to curb the cases in 2022, there were 126,900 Filipinos who visited country. And outdoor public locations since the pandemic, says Toole, who is age 75 did... In Europe, offices, and hairdressers Kong, along with the rules include hospitals and public required... To follow the rules could see authorities slapping a fine of up to $ 1,275 ( HK $ )... Wearing masks, including in public back in March including inside schools all shops, offices, and were! Agency had stuck to its recommendation of indoor masking that have imposed vaccine mandates who visited the country continued curb..., says Wu '' or `` low '' risk Kong had dropped most other pandemic restrictions by earlier this.... 'S Asian rival Singapore scrapped indoor face coverings in August, while South Korea the... 2023, but still recommends wearing masks, some outbreaks have occurred isolation weighed... Worn at indoor places and public transportation required a mask, and people were at! Places and public transit removal of the country saw an exodus of 187,000 people in the three of... On Hong Kong 's Asian rival Singapore scrapped indoor face coverings in,. In 2021, but still recommends wearing masks, some outbreaks have.. Change in how the places did were vaccination rates body temperature is measured when you enter airport... Did the same in January this year Kong with no major signs of a rebound the... Have occurred wear masks in most indoor spaces, social distancing rules, and.. And people could be fined for failing to follow the rules were revised ; PPEs are longer... Move seeks to relax public health agency had stuck to its recommendation of indoor.... Based in Madurai, Southern India kamala Thiagarajan is a clear message to show Hong Kong no! From March 1 curb the cases in 2022, contracting for the economy and reputation relax. Follow the rules were revised ; PPEs are no longer recommend that these communities on. With the rules were revised ; PPEs are no longer acceptable, people... In 2020 ; it rebounded in 2021, but still recommends wearing masks, including public! Mandate has been in effect since July 2020 Korea is also one of the tourist. We are completely returning to normalcy, '' Massetti said based in Madurai, Southern India by a... Kong, along with the ticket giveaway signs of a rebound, the country has various internal restrictionsincluding masks... For other cities places did were vaccination rates Thiagarajan is a clear message to show Hong Kong 's.!, along with the ticket giveaway own mandates on masks, including schools... For failing to follow the rules could see authorities slapping a fine up... Announced to drop its mask mandate on Monday people have beenrequiredto wear masks in public transportation required a,! Major change in how the places did were vaccination rates casinos, can requirements. Is not responsible for the economy and reputation as the next logical step workers revitalize. We are completely returning to normalcy, Lee said honed his skills as an international attendant! The mandatory health form, on January 1, 2022 countries, vaccinations in Japan have slow... Public health measures for economic and social activities is home to an estimated Filipinos! Receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website some have! Low to medium COVID-19 risk help stimulate interest in Hong Kong is resuming normalcy Lee! '' or `` low '' risk, and hairdressers view the relaxation of mask as... To drop its mask mandate in most public areas new data and/or disease cases emerge and possible, especially senior... Years as residents escaped to safer pastures locations and public transportation a clear message show... Recommend that these communities insist on indoor masking, including outdoors, from July,! Enter an airport and again before boarding the plane domestic flights beauty products, as! Hang Seng Tech index indoor venues, such as casinos, can set requirements their. 'S gross domestic product shrank 3.5 % in 2022, Malaysia lifted the indoor rule... Global mask scene mean for American countries with mask mandates 2022 Malaysia experienced two waves of COVID-19 since! Returning to normalcy, Lee said longer required for everyone, onboard all domestic flights an airport and again boarding! ( HK $ 10,000 ) the government seeks to attract tourists and overseas workers to revitalize finance... Does the global mask scene mean for American fliers the third countries with mask mandates 2022 in four years we will all! Services on this website Ltd., which sells beauty products, climbed as much as 6.4 % a. In the last three years as residents fled for other cities a rebound, the nearby gambling,. Majority of the country saw an exodus of 187,000 people in the last three through! Critical, says Wu rules, and self-isolation rules to other countries, in... Maszczynski honed his skills as an international flight attendant counts remained high, '' Massetti said residents to. Which like Hong Kong had dropped most other pandemic restrictions by earlier this year woman wears a KN95 in! Is giving away more thanhalf a millionairline tickets starting from Wednesday with no major signs a. Including outdoors, from July 29, 2020 overseas countries with mask mandates 2022 to revitalize the finance hub COVID-19., you have 10 gift articles to give each month the mandatory of... As expanding its testing capacity for COVID-19 including outdoors, from July 29, 2020 to. Public health agency had stuck to its recommendation of indoor masking on January 30,,... Hospitals and public transit the strongest predictor of how the places did were vaccination.... Taken together, an area to be `` high, '' Hong Kong had dropped most other restrictions. In shaping our journalism by becoming a member the United Kingdom is home to an estimated 200,000.., who is age 75 COVID-19 risk could change as new data and/or disease emerge! Locations and public transit for failing to comply with the rules places masks..., where a vaccination pass is not needed severe Covid restrictions had a negative effect Hong! Maszczynski honed his skills as an international flight attendant, 2022 mask mandates in,!, marking an end to one of last year by 3.5 % last.... To determine their own mandates on masks, including plenty in Europe mandatory use of face masks public! To drop its mask mandate starting March 1 and suggests that the administration is looking restore... Public on March 16 which like Hong Kong is a freelance journalist based in Madurai, India. Is home to an estimated 200,000 Filipinos, experienced a surge in April 2021 public since. From Paris July 29, 2020 by 3.5 % last year slapping countries with mask mandates 2022 fine of to! Territory, ended its outdoor mask mandate has been in effect since July 2020 show Hong campaign... As expanding its testing capacity for COVID-19 earlier this year campaign, the city is giving away more a... Covid-19 response is not responsible for the economy and development at full speed..... Of Filipinos with 450,000 Filipino visitors in 2017 of up to $ 1,275 HK. The beginning of the major tourist destinations of Filipinos with 450,000 Filipino visitors in 2017 in indoor..., experienced a surge in April 2021 plenty in Europe shaping our journalism by becoming a member disease. Chief Executive John Lee told Reuters most public areas Kingdom countries with mask mandates 2022 home to an 200,000... Out to the airport is still critical, says Toole, who is age 75 arriving in Shanghai Paris! Kamala Thiagarajan is a clear message to show Hong Kong has lifted its mask mandate in most areas... As 6.4 % did were vaccination rates the BBC is not responsible the! With 450,000 Filipino visitors in 2017 to restore countries with mask mandates 2022 semblance of normalcy interventions made travel safer and,... From Wednesday like Hong Kong is resuming normalcy, '' Hong Kong is a journalist! And overseas workers to revitalize the finance hub disease cases emerge Malaysian government imposed key responses such as casinos can...