Most Vulnerable Should Continue To Mask Up: Ivan Hung

Government pandemic advisor Ivan Hung said on Saturday it's a good thing that most people still choose to wear a mask indoors and on public transport, even though face coverings are no longer compulsory.

The government earlier announced an end to the mask mandate, and people from Wednesday could go maskless in public. But some decided to continue to wear a mask.

Speaking after a radio programme, Hung said mask-wearing in public could protect high-risk individuals who are more prone to Covid and other upper respiratory tract infections.

Ultimately, individuals can decide for themselves whether they need face coverings, Hung said, but the most vulnerable should continue to mask up.

"If you are [an] elderly above the age of 65, or you have chronic illnesses, we do recommend individuals to keep on wearing masks, especially in crowded places like on public transport," Hung told reporters.

"For healthcare workers, we strongly recommend [them] to continue to wear masks in hospitals and clinics, or in the elderly homes. That will prevent not only Covid, but also other respiratory virus infection, especially influenza, and cross-infection in hospitals and in the elderly homes."

Secondary school students do not have to take a rapid antigen test each day before heading back to class, but the requirement will stay for younger pupils until March 15.

Hung said now that wearing a mask is not required, the daily testing rule could also be scrapped.

On Covid vaccinations in the future, the medical expert said the general public should get a booster shot before winter each year, while elderly and chronically-ill individuals would be recommended to receive a jab every six months.