Masks Off In Macau: SAR Drops Rule For Most Places

Macau officials on Sunday declared an end to the SAR's general mask mandate, with face masks to be required in only a handful of specific circumstances.

Under rules taking effect on Monday, people will not be expected to wear masks outdoors, while supervisors of most indoor venues will have discretion over whether to require masking.

Exceptions include public transport, with both passengers and drivers expected to continue to mask up, though the rule will not apply to taxis. People entering hospitals or care homes will also be required to wear a mask, though inpatients and residents will be allowed to go maskless.

In a statement, the Macau government said the changes were possible because the "epidemic situation in Macau has continuously remained stable over the last two months".

"The Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre stresses that the indoor mask wearing requirements can be adjusted again according to the actual development of the Covid-19 situation," the statement added.

Children aged three or under will be allowed to go without masks under all circumstances.

For most venues or forms of transport, officials say it's up to supervisors to decide whether to require masks, taking into account factors such as air circulation, crowd density and the activities taking place.

In addition, officials say, organisers of large-scale events or heads of institutions such as nursery schools should require masks if there's an uptick in cases or a cluster of infections.

Macau authorities are advising people to take a mask with them whenever they go out and to keep a two-week supply of masks at home.

"In addition, people should use a mask if they develop fever, myalgia, sore throat, cough, runny nose or other flu-like symptoms," the statement added.

Hong Kong last week extended its mask mandate until March 8. Asked about the matter on Saturday, Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau stopped short of giving a date for any changes, but said masks would still be required in medical settings after the mandate was dropped.