Hongkongers Can't Hide Their Smiles As Mask Rule Ends

Hongkongers on Tuesday celebrated news that they can choose to go mask-free in public once again, although some admitted feeling nervous about letting others see their faces after years of covering up.

From Wednesday, people won't have to wear masks either indoors or outdoors, and masks won't be required when using public transport.

"I'm thrilled, I can't wait. It's been way too long, we're way behind the rest of the world," one woman said.

"I think it's a bit late, but regardless, it's a good thing that it's happening finally. I'm very, very happy about it," a man told RTHK.

"As a parent, it's a very welcoming decision," said a father of two young children.

"For kids, especially younger kids, it's been quite challenging to be honest to have them have masks on them all the time," the man said, adding that the family might still wear masks in crowded indoor places, such as the MTR.

One woman said she thinks older people with health concerns will still wear masks regardless of the change in the law, but she isn't worried at all about catching Covid.

"I think it's a relief. I've been vaccinated five times. I know the government did it for the right reasons. But too little, too late, right? The whole world, except us and North Korea, have got [rid of] masks," she added.

Another woman told RTHK that it's time for her to "take out all her lipsticks".

But not everybody seemed excited to be able to show their face in public again.

A student surnamed So said she will keep wearing a mask as she doesn't want to let others see her, concerns shared by a woman surnamed Chung who said she was "a bit scared".

"I'm not used to being seen with my face because I've been covering it for like two years," Chung said.

Meanwhile, lawmaker Chan Pui-leung had a different reason for welcoming the end of the mask law. He said he's fed up with getting mistaken for fellow lawmaker Lau Chi-pang and hopefully people will now find it a bit easier to tell them apart.