Hong Kong will stop requiring masks to be worn in public places from tomorrow, ending the prolonged COVID-era lockdown that damaged its economy and standing in the world.
Masks will no longer be needed outdoors, indoors or on public transport, Hong Kong leader John Lee said at press briefing today.
The move comes as the government seeks to attract tourists and overseas workers to revitalise the finance hub. Next month will see Hong Kong host the biggest series of international events since often-violent protests in 2019 shut down much of the city, including a music festival, Art Basel and the Rugby Sevens tournament. Hong Kong had dropped most other pandemic restrictions earlier this year.
The Hong Kong government and Cathay Pacific airline recently announced details on how tourists can get a chance to win one of 500,000 free air tickets to be given out in support of the Hong Kong Tourism Board's 'Hello Hong Kong' campaign to welcome back tourists.
A total of 80,000 of these round-trip air tickets will be earmarked for Southeast Asia, 12,500 of which will go to Singapore residents.
The campaign – called World of Winners – will launch in phases for Southeast Asia, beginning with Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines on Mar 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia are next, in stages, two weeks later.
Only Cathay members are eligible for the tickets. They can register for the contest on the World of Winners campaign website with their Cathay membership details and answer three questions correctly.
The campaign in Singapore runs from noon on March 2 to 11.59pm on March 8 SGT.