China News Agency, Hong Kong, March 1 (Reporter Han Xingtong) Hong Kong has completely canceled the "mask order" from the 1st. On the first day of the implementation of the measures, the reporter observed that most citizens still consciously wear masks outdoors and on public transport.
Some citizens believe that wearing a mask has become a habit, and it will take time to observe whether the epidemic rebounds; at the same time, some citizens say that they can see other people's smiles after being happy without wearing a mask.
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive Li Jiachao announced on February 28 that Hong Kong will completely cancel the "mask order" from March 1, and citizens do not need to wear masks indoors, outdoors, and when taking public transportation.
On the first day of the complete abolition of the "mask order", the reporter visited and observed places such as Tseung Kwan O and Causeway Bay, and found that most citizens continued to consciously wear masks, whether on the streets or on public transportation such as buses and subways.
Ms. Zhou, a citizen, told the reporter that although she is very happy that the SAR government has finally lifted the "mask order" so that the society can fully return to normal, but because she has not been infected with the new crown virus so far, she is worried that taking off the mask rashly will increase the risk, and it takes time to observe the epidemic situation According to the trend, she believes that it is safer and more appropriate to maintain the practice of wearing masks at this stage.
Mr. Huang, a citizen, also continued to wear masks to work. He admitted that he had a large stockpile of masks at home. In addition, the weather is still relatively cool, and wearing masks will not be too stuffy, so he will continue to wear them for a while.
However, Mr. Huang, who likes hiking and playing badminton, also said that he will take off his mask when he is outdoors or doing sports.
Ms. Liu, a citizen who did not wear a mask, said with a smile to the reporter that after wearing a mask for 3 years, she was not used to not wearing it all of a sudden.
"Everyone always felt a little alienated while wearing masks, and now I finally have the opportunity to see everyone's smiles."
The Education Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government also updated the school health guidelines on February 28. All school staff, students and visitors are not required to wear masks within the school premises.
The reporter saw near Tseung Kwan O Xiangdao Secondary School and other schools that day, most of the students also wore masks to school.
A parent of a nearby elementary school told reporters that for the time being, they will require their children to wear masks to school, so that they will feel more at ease.
Liang Zichao, a specialist in respiratory system in Hong Kong, said that in the past period of time, the Hong Kong SAR government has successively relaxed the epidemic prevention measures. The natural spread of the new crown virus and vaccination have supplemented group immunity. I believe that the complete cancellation of the "mask order" may not lead to a large rebound in the epidemic. .
He also called on citizens to get vaccinated against the new crown vaccine and flu vaccine as soon as possible to strengthen protection.
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