Masks Are New Normal For Some, Despite Easing Curbs

It's mask off for some, but there are also others who are not taking any chances.

As relaxed social-distancing measures took effect in Hong Kong on Friday, RTHK went to a number of outdoor facilities to see how people cope and found many were still wearing a face mask while exercising at Victoria Park.

They said wearing a mask has now become a habit, and it's better to be safe than sorry.

One of the morning joggers, Jason, said he found it safer to run with a mask on.

Jason, who was at the park with a friend, said many people at the park were doing the same despite the relaxed mask rule.

"About 80 percent of the people wear a mask, I think from now on it's quite safe for us in Hong Kong."

But other sports enthusiasts told us they appreciated not having to wear a mask while doing strenuous exercise, especially with the temperature topping 30 degrees Celsius at Victoria Park on Friday morning.

Stephanie, a physical education teacher, works out here three times a week. She said she'd been complying with the mask rule before Friday.

"I think it's good they relaxed the rule on wearing a mask because I think one of the ways to fight the virus is to stay healthy, and a lot of people in Hong Kong like to be active, and they like to be outside, hiking, running and doing their exercise," she said.

"Rather than making it harder and making it more challenging on their health by wearing a mask, now they can probably increase their health by doing more exercise without a mask on."

Over at Quarry Bay Park, a personal trainer, Andrew, was getting ready for an outdoor session with a client.

Many personal-fitness classes are being held outdoors because of the temporary closure of gyms.

Andrew said he was wearing a mask, but his client wasn't, because he wasn't the one working out.

"I understand that if people are running past each other, then they may be, should be wearing a mask," he said. "But then, if you're just in your own area doing your own workout, I think there should be an exception. You don't have to wear a mask because you're not affecting anyone else."

Some people practicising tai chi were also not wearing a mask.

According to the revised regulations, people doing strenuous exercise outdoors or who are in country parks are exempt from the mask rule.

Cinemas and beauty parlours are allowed to reopen, while dine-in hours at restaurants are extended until 9pm.

While theatres are allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity, tickets for an early show in a Causeway Bay cinema were snapped up. Some said they missed going to the movies because of Covid-19, and it's also an opportunity to get out of the house.

Other social-distancing curbs remain, such as a ban on gatherings of more than two people.