Pedestrians cross the road in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong on December 29, 2022. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government anounced on Friday that it decided to fine-tune some mask-wearing requirements effective Jan 26.

In a statement on Friday night, the government said persons will no longer have to wear masks when delivering a speech during a religious activity in religious premises, when consuming food or drink at a table or an exhibition booth during an exhibition, and when toasting on stage at an event in catering premises.

A government spokesman said Hong Kong is currently in the midst of the winter surge of influenza, and the COVID-19 virus still poses a threat to the community

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The changes were made after the government took into consideration the operational needs of these premises.

It earlier announced on Dec 28 that it would maintain the city’s mask-wearing mandate under the Prevention and Control of Disease to prevent transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses.

A government spokesman said Hong Kong is currently in the midst of the winter surge of influenza, and the COVID-19 virus still poses a threat to the community, in particular the elderly and children.

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The government appeals to members of the public to continue to remain vigilant and observe personal hygiene to reduce the risk of infection while celebrating the Lunar New Year, he added.