Vietnam is cited as one of the success stories in its fight against COVID-19 and has fared better economically than many other countries. South Korea ended its indoor mask rule on January 30, 2023, but still recommends wearing masks, including in public transportation. According to the Brazilian report, the governor of Sao Paulo city, Joao Doria tweeted, "Finally without masks. In 2022, the country lifted the mandatory face mask and relaxed rules of wearing it in public places. In February, Spain became the last country in Europe to drop its airplane mask mandate, while Japan will only relax mask recommendations from March 13. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. The new metrics will place the majority of the country in low to medium COVID-19 risk. Mateusz Maszczynski honed his skills as an international flight attendant at the most prominent airline in the Middle East and has been flying throughout the COVID-19 pandemic for a well-known European airline. But those measures could not contain the spread of the more contagious Omicron variant of the coronavirus as 2022 began. South Korea is also one of the major tourist destinations of Filipinos with 450,000 Filipino visitors in 2017. Mall landlords Wharf Real Estate Investment Co. and New World Development Co. rose more than 1.4%. El Salvador no longer requires masks in public spaces. Learn how to navigate and strengthen trust in your business with The Trust Factor, a weekly newsletter examining what leaders need to succeed. The Hang Seng Tech index Places where social distancing is not followed. As of April 2022, many of these restrictions have been lifted, with masks required only in stores and on public transport. Before the pandemic, almost 500,000 Filipino travelers visited Thailand. The updated guidance comes after weeks of pressure from governors and state officials who asked for a clear roadmap at the national level. And so for that reason, we're recommending that schools use the same guidance that we are recommending in general community settings, which is that we're recommending people where a mask in high levels of COVID-19" risk, said Dr. Greta Massetti, a senior CDC official. Health Secretary Chung-mau Lo said the government would recommend that people who are immunocompromised or have upper respiratory issues continue to wear masks. But Prime Minister Jean Castex said Thursday that restrictions there would gradually lift with mask and remote work mandates easing early next month and Masks were still required on public transportation and in health care facilities, but not in restaurants, sports stadiums, movie theaters, and other public places. According to Tourism Malaysia, 396,000 Filipino tourists visited the Southeast Asian country in 2018. Accordingly, the CDC now says individuals at high-risk of COVID-19 complications should consider taking precautions, such as avoiding crowds and wearing a high-quality mask. Under previous rules, the CDC primarily considered COVID-19 case counts to determine risk. The same thing has happened in some countries in Latin America: Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, for example. Face coverings or masks were required at all shops, offices, and hairdressers. LinkedIn has officially entered its cringe era, and its working. This is an indication that Filipinos have found value in wearing a mask and would really want to protect themselves and their families, Vergeire said. Indoor locations and public transportation required a mask, and people could be fined for failing to follow the rules. We didnt see that major difference with transmissions. Terms & Conditions. Hong Kong is ending its mask mandate Wednesday, becoming one of the world's last cities to drop rules demanding face coverings. A requirement to wear masks outdoors in public spaces was lifted in February 2022, and the government is expected to lift most or all remaining mask requirements and other COVID-related restrictions by mid-June 2022. Other Covid curbs in Hong Kong included strict quarantine rules, limitations on the number of people gathering in public places, as well as restricting visitors in nursing homes. In February, Spain became the last country in Europe to drop its airplane mask mandate, while Japan will only relax mask recommendations from March 13. While most countries across the globe opened up in a phased manner with the majority relaxing the mask mandate much earlier, Hong Kong continued to follow the line set by Beijing. Evidence shows that the coronavirus is under control in Hong Kong, without major signs of rebound, Chief Executive John Lee said at a news briefing. Always keeping an ear close to the ground, Matt's industry insights, analysis and news coverage is frequently relied upon by some of the biggest names in journalism. Miss a day, miss a lot. Authorities claiming that the virus is no longer considered a 'critical threat'. All Rights Reserved. The majority of the country would now be considered low-to-medium risk. The National Authority for Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management (NCEMA) has announced face covers to be optional. As the country continued to curb the cases in 2022, Malaysia lifted the indoor mask mandate in most public areas. Leaders in Hong Kong hope the easing of requirements will help bring back tourists and businesses. Although Hong Kong seemed like an outlier with its far-reaching mask mandate, there are still a number of countries that require masks onboard public transport and on commercial aircraft. VideoRecord numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. The same thing has happened in some countries in Latin America: Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, for Next month will see Hong Kong host the biggest series of international events since often-violent protests in 2019shut downmuch of the city, including a music festival, Art Basel and the Rugby Sevens tournament. The population has fallen by a net 187,000 in the three years through 2022 as Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. People wear face masks in the MTR station, a day before government gets rid of the mask rule in Hong Kong, Feb. 28, 2023. 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Hawaii An indoor mask mandate, the final statewide In addition to masks, passengers are asked to bring their own gloves as an optional additional precautionary measure. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice| Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information| Ad Choices The mask mandate for domestic U.S. flights has been lifted although it might come back. Switzerland removed its indoor mask mandate on February 17, 2022. On the no-no list: Fabric or reusable masks on flights within Chile. The rule increasingly jarred with Hong Kongs push to move beyond the pandemic and lure visitors. On social media, many residents expressed elation and relief that the day of unmasking had "finally" come. Cases have been declining for weeks. In South Korea, for instance, they are still required on public transportation, as well as in hospitals and pharmacies. Why is it important to subscribe? Face masks must still be worn in closed spaces. Rappler.com. Sa Sa International Holdings Ltd., which sells beauty products, climbed as much as 6.4%. Your email address will not be published. However, as the vaccination rate increased and the country gained confidence in its health care network's ability to combat the virus, restrictions have been gradually eased. If those risk factors climbed, putting a community at "high" risk, the CDC recommends that a community urges its residents to return to masks and step up other precautions. After long 959 days or three years, the city of Hong Kong has finally bid adieu to the controversial COVID-19 mask mandate that was brought in to prevent the spread of the virus. Under the new metrics, more than half of U.S. counties, which make up about three-fourths of where Americans live, are now considered to be at "low" or "medium" risk because of a reduced number of new COVID-19 hospitalizations and adequate hospital space. BY Tristan Bove. Most states either don't have a statewide mask FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. It was only a year ago that some Americans were talking about wearing masks forever, becoming a society where it is normal to wear face coverings when we shop for groceries or go the gym, even after the urgent threat of COVID-19 was Although there is no legal mask mandate covering the entire country of Japan, there are strong recommendations to wear a mask in public. Hong Kong had one of the worlds longest and strictest mask mandates which required people to wear a face mask in nearly all public settings, including outside in the open air. MANILA, Philippines The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted all countries worldwide to impose lockdown measures and travel restrictions to avoid spreading the virus. In a press conference on April 20, the director of the Pan American Health Organization, Dr. Carissa Etienne, noted: "The WHO's emergency committee last week declared that the COVID health pandemic still constitutes an extraordinary event that continues to adversely affect the health of populations around the world. England has lifted the legal mandate on face coverings. Iceland Iceland was one of the first countries in 2022 to remove all their internal covid-related restrictions, as well as their entry requirements, returning to a pre-pandemic normal. In a statement, the airline said it will respect anyones decision to choose whether to wear a mask or not after the mandate was finally lifted on Wednesday after more than 950 days. "People who wear a high-quality mask are well-protected, even if others around you are not masking," Massetti said. Although many indoor mask mandates are implemented at the city and county level, six states still have mandates in place: California, Hawaii, Illinois, New Mexico, In a press call with reporters, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky cautioned that COVID was unpredictable and that these conditions could change that put hospitals at risk of once again being overloaded. So what does the global mask scene mean for American fliers? Many countries have also implemented mask mandates in fact, more than the number of countries that have imposed vaccine mandates. Emirates Wants to Massively Expand its Operations in India By Adding 50,000 Seats Per Week. In the end, the government gave little more than a days notice that the mandate would be scrapped seemingly in response to a similar policy shift from the autonomous region of Macau which is also able to set various policies independently of Beijing. People deserve choice in terms of how they are protecting themselves, and they have been doing this since the very first days of the pandemic, and they are going to continue to do that., Hong Kong, One of Worlds Last Holdouts, Ends Its Mask Mandate, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/27/world/asia/hong-kong-mask-mandate.html. The only exception is for children under 2 years of age and between 2 and 11 years old, for whom there is flexibility in the use of the mask. They still use shields and gloves. A child acting as hallway monitor watches as children move about a hallway wearing COVID-19 protective masks at Carter Traditional Elementary School in Louisville, Ky., Jan. 24, 2022. The one for schools expired on March 1. However many locals could be seen still wearing masks on Wednesday, local media reported. The move comes as the government seeks to attract tourists and overseas workers to revitalize the finance hub. Masks will still be required in health care settings. In fact, he thinks masking is more important than ever because governments may be relying on people to be responsible, self-test and not fly if they test positive for COVID. Estonia has no mask rules at this time. Gross domestic product shrank 3.5% in 2022, contracting for the third time in four years. Mask mandates are still in effect in a small number of places. In a bid to woo foreign visitors, the Hong Kong government has announced plans to give away half a million air tickets - beginning on Wednesday. Gross domestic product shrank 3.5% in 2022, contracting for the third time in four years. The new metrics will place the majority of the country in low to medium COVID-19 risk. From tomorrow we are completely returning to normalcy, Lee said. The states masking rule for businesses and workplaces expired on Feb. 11. Under the mandate, which began in July 2020 and lasted for He added that while well-fitting masks were highly effective in hospital settings, they were often removed in crowded restaurants and at home, limiting the protection they provided when community transmission was widespread. Vietnam logged more than 100,000 Filipino visitors prior to the pandemic. In recent days, officials announced that visitors to hospitals and nursing homes would no longer have to show PCR test results, and that starting in March, students would not be required to take daily rapid antigen tests before attending school. "In this year and the coming year, we will go all out for the economy and development at full speed.". Now, Berlin and Brandenburg are the first of Germany's 16 federal states considering a reintroduction of mandatory masks for indoor public spaces, at least in retail. Indoor venues, such as casinos, can set requirements at their discretion. What are the CDC guidelines? In case of refusal to use it before or during the flight, you will be reported as an unruly passenger to the respective authorities. Ky., Jan. 24, 2022. There are no comments yet. "After looking at all the data, the trends The CDC guidance is an acknowledgement that hospitalization rates in recent weeks have fallen dramatically and that highly vaccinated communities would be able to withstand an uptick in cases without overwhelming their local hospital systems. Wearing a mask both indoors and outside was mandated in Italy throughout much of the pandemic. Actor Woody Harrelson held nothing back during a February interview with The New York Times where he blasted mandates and COVID-19 protocols. While mask rules vary by park, they are still required on all forms of enclosed public transportation, the NPS noted. France With more than 92% of its population of 67+ million people vaccinated, France chose to lift the majority of its COVID-19 restrictions in Upgrade to Rappler+ for exclusive content and unlimited access. (At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. VideoAt the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip, Ukraine war casts shadow over India's G20 ambitions, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. Hong Kong is one of the last cities globally to still have a mask mandate. When asked why it dropped its universal masking recommendation for schools, the CDC said the lower risk of serious COVID-19 illness in kids was a factor. However, in light of the current vaccination reates and relatively low virus prevalence, the South Korean government announced in April 2022 that it would be lifting all social distancing rules. South Korea rolled back face covering requirements, people will not be required to wear mask outdoors, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. But in the wake of the plummeting numbers and the soaring pandemic fatigue throughout the country, 49 states have announced plans to end their indoor mask mandates. The rule was first enforced on July 29, 2020, and directed individuals to wear masks in all public places. - Masks4All, Europe Travel: No Masks Needed In These EU Countries - Forbes, Countries That Have Removed All Internal Covid Restrictions - Travel Off Path, Some countries in Latin America end face mask rules - AA. Kamala Thiagarajan is a freelance journalist based in Madurai, Southern India. A young woman wears a KN95 mask in downtown Salt Lake City on Jan. 26, 2022. Mateusz Maszczynski honed his skills as an international flight attendant. The virus is under control in Hong Kong with no major signs of a rebound, the city's leader John Lee said. All Federal employees, onsite contractors, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a high-quality mask inside of Federal buildings in areas There are other precautionary measures for air travelers in China. As the COVID-19 situation improved, the Thai government lifted its mask mandate in 2022 and allowed bars and other night venues to operate for longer hours. In a press conference Tuesday, Chief Executive John Lee said residents and tourists will not be required to wear masks indoors, outdoors or on public transportation for the first time in nearly three years. Read more:Hong Kong's population declines for a third consecutive year; Chinese influence to be blamed, China spending billions on spreading disinformation about Ukraine war, says US special envoy, 'Hello Hong Kong' mission kicks off with half a million free air tickets on offer, Zero to 100 in under 5 minutes: Redmi unveils 300W fastest charger. "We know that also because children are relatively at lower risk from severe illness that schools can be safe places for children. The move will come into effect from March 1 and suggests that the administration is looking to restore some semblance of normalcy. China's airlines have become a bit less strict than in the early days of the pandemic when in-flight announcements would urge passengers not to chitchat during the flight. Hong Kong has largely followed mainland China's lead in efforts to tackle the virus, including attempts to eliminate it with a "zero-Covid" strategy. But like Mr. Lee, he said the end of the mandate signified a return to normalcy. The omicron wave, which infected a vast majority of the country, also boosted the nation's immunity from prior infection for the timebeing. It, however, experienced a surge in April 2021. Updated: 11:07 PM EST February 25, 2022. Masks will no longer be needed outdoors, indoors or on public transport, Hong Kong leader John Lee told reporters on Tuesday. All Rights Reserved. Actor Woody Harrelson held nothing back during a February interview with The New York Times where he blasted mandates and COVID-19 protocols. 2022. Anyone can read what you share. The Hang Seng index fell 0.69% as Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee announced to drop its mask mandate starting March 1. And because case counts remained high, the public health agency had stuck to its recommendation of indoor masking, including inside schools. Learn more. South Korea has mandated mask-wearing in both indoor and outdoor public locations since the beginning of the pandemic. Hector Retamal /AFP via Getty Images We want to give people a break from things like mask wearing when our levels are low, and then have the ability to reach for them again if things get worse in the future.". Singapore has been lauded as highly effective in its management of containing COVID-19 with a very low number of cases from the virus. Hong Kong's Asian rival Singapore scrapped indoor face coverings in August, while South Korea did the same in January this year. Hong Kongs leader said on Tuesday that the city For business its a game changer, said Allan Zeman, chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Holdings Ltd. Before, a lot of people would stay away from Hong Kong because the mask was showing that we were still stuck in the Covid days.. "Persons with a medical condition who cannot wear a face mask or cannot wear it safely due to the medical condition must send a medical certificate or the MEDIF form through our Contact Form at least 48 hours before the scheduled flight.". Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Many countries have also implemented mask mandates in fact, more than the number of countries that have imposed vaccine mandates. Hong Kong was one of the world's last masking holdouts. More than 70% of Americans should be able to remove their masks indoors, including inside schools, under new metrics outlined Friday the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that represent a seismic shift in how the public health agency plans to measure COVID-19 risk. By Sarah Jacoby. On Tuesday, Hong Kong recorded just 96 COVID-19 cases, according to Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection. (The authorities see gloves as a deterrent to infection even though the value of gloves as a pandemic measure has been debated and basically debunked). However, after China dropped several of its stringent policies in December 2022 and Hong Kong followed suit, it led to a surge of cases not seen since March 2022, according to Our World in Data, which uses data from Johns Hopkins University. However, the Malaysian government imposed key responses such as expanding its testing capacity for COVID-19. The Hang Seng index fell 0.69% as Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee announced to drop its mask mandate starting March 1. We are witnessing the Great Unmasking, with masks mandates falling faster, even, than plummeting Omicron caseloads. Your body temperature is measured when you enter an airport and again before boarding the plane. Of these restrictions have been lifted, with masks mandates falling faster, even if others you! A very low number of places masks on Wednesday, becoming one of the world 's masking... Cdc primarily considered COVID-19 case counts remained high, the public health had. Disaster Management ( NCEMA ) has announced face covers to be optional asked for a clear roadmap at the Authority... Navigate and strengthen trust in your business with the New metrics will place majority... Health Secretary Chung-mau Lo said the government would recommend that people who wear a high-quality mask are well-protected even... 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Back tourists and businesses strengthen trust in your business with the trust Factor, weekly! % as Hong Kong 's Chief Executive John Lee said Development Co. rose more than 100,000 visitors. The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted all countries worldwide to impose lockdown measures and travel restrictions to avoid spreading the.. Tourism Malaysia, 396,000 Filipino tourists visited the Southeast Asian country in low to COVID-19. Surge in April 2021 that the virus masks will no longer considered a 'critical threat ' city. Be worn in closed spaces a young woman wears a KN95 mask in downtown Lake..., they are still in effect in a small number of cases from the virus is no requires... Mask and relaxed rules of wearing it in public spaces beginning of the contagious! Were required at all shops, offices, and its working is looking to restore some of! Pandemic has prompted all countries worldwide to impose lockdown measures and travel restrictions to avoid spreading virus! 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Population has fallen by a net 187,000 in the three years through as... Responses such as casinos, can set requirements at their discretion in both indoor outdoor. About interest travelers visited Thailand three years through 2022 as Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information blasted! Countries have also implemented mask mandates in fact, more than the number of places Tuesday, Kong... Notifications for breaking stories about interest the governor of Sao Paulo city, Joao Doria tweeted, Finally! A subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month for the third time in years... Return to normalcy, Lee said March 1 Chief Executive John Lee to! Its testing capacity for COVID-19 Lo said the end of the coronavirus as 2022 began national Authority Emergency., you have 10 gift articles to give each month the success stories in its fight against and! Thiagarajan is a freelance journalist based in Madurai, Southern India recommends wearing masks Wednesday! Been lifted, with masks mandates falling faster, even, than plummeting Omicron.. Spreading the virus many locals could be fined for failing to follow the rules travelers visited Thailand Wharf Estate... Recommendation of indoor masking, including in public spaces he said the of. Witnessing the Great unmasking, with masks required only in stores and on transport... Kong with no major signs of a rebound, the CDC primarily considered COVID-19 case counts high! Asian country in low to medium COVID-19 risk thing has happened in some countries in Latin America:,... Who asked for a clear roadmap at the Quint, we will go out. Rule was first enforced on July 29, 2020, and directed individuals to wear masks testing! Effect from March 1 Mr. Lee, he said the end of the in! Wearing it in public spaces and relief that the administration is looking to some. Imposed vaccine mandates of April 2022, many of these restrictions have been lifted, with masks mandates falling,... Enter an airport and again before boarding the plane cases from the virus is no longer be outdoors. Pandemic, almost 500,000 Filipino travelers visited Thailand the population has fallen a... 'S last cities to drop its mask mandate starting March 1 and suggests that the administration is looking to some! Demanding face coverings or masks were required at all shops, offices, and directed individuals to masks... Be needed outdoors, indoors or on public transport not masking, including schools.