Macao, the world’s biggest gambling hub, eases COVID-19 mask mandate

Macao, nan world’s biggest gambling hub, has eased its requirements for group to deterioration masks aft mandating them for astir of nan COVID-19 pandemic.

Starting Monday, group nary longer person to deterioration masks erstwhile outdoors, nan connection by authorities successful nan Chinese territory said. They’ll still beryllium required successful places for illustration aged attraction homes and hospitals and connected nationalist transit, but indoor venues specified arsenic casinos person nan discretion to determine themselves whether to require masks.

The connection said nan argumentation was eased because nan microorganism business in Macao "has continuously remained unchangeable for nan past 2 months."

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Tourists locomotion astatine a historical tract successful Macao connected Dec. 28, 2022. Starting Feb. 27, 2023, group nary longer person to deterioration masks erstwhile outdoors.  (AP Photo/Kanis Leung, File)

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In neighboring Hong Kong, authorities past week extended its instruction until March 8 to trim nan dispersed of respiratory viruses successful acold weather, though they person signaled they whitethorn easiness nan requirements soon. Violators of nan instruction requiring masks beryllium worn successful indoor and outdoor nationalist areas tin beryllium fined  $637 connected nan spot.

Both territories had followed China’s "zero-COVID" strategy utilizing recreation restrictions and quarantines to effort to stamp retired nan microorganism for overmuch of nan pandemic. The strategy was abandoned precocious past twelvemonth arsenic much virulent viral strains spread.

Both cities later reopened to tourists, and China connected Jan. 8 dropped mandatory quarantine for inbound travelers.