Most Hongkongers keep masks on, ‘averting possible flu surge’ after end of mandate
- ‘There are still people catching the coronavirus,’ says secondary school student Charmaine Yung, 15, who opts to continue wearing mask in public
- Health expert Ivan Hung says residents’ general reluctance to ditch face coverings could limit anticipated rise in upper respiratory tract infections
Most Hongkongers chose to continue wearing masks on Wednesday even as the rule requiring their use in public ended, with health experts predicting the trend might help control an expected surge in flu and other upper respiratory tract infections.
While many had called for Hong Kong to join the rest of the world in lifting its last major Covid-19 restriction, those uncovering their faces on the streets and public transport on the first official mask-free day were in a minority.
Secondary school student Charmaine Yung Ching-yee, 15, summed up the views held by many residents over the newfound choice they would have to make each day, saying she would keep her face covered for at least another month.
“It doesn’t make a difference to me even if the mask mandate is over,” she said. “There are still people catching the coronavirus. I didn’t catch it in the past three years and I don’t want to get it now.”
Professor Ivan Hung Fan-ngai from the University of Hong Kong, who is also a government pandemic adviser, said residents’ general reluctance to venture out into public without the coverings could limit an anticipated increase in infections.