Updated February 28, 2023 at 9:36 AM ET
Hong Kong is dropping its mask mandate — making it one of the last international cities to stop requiring face coverings after the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The controversial mandate began nearly three years ago and at one point was so strict that it required people exercising outdoors to remain masked.
People found in violation of the mask mandate could be fined up to the equivalent of $1,000.
Starting Wednesday however, people will no longer need to wear masks indoor or outdoors, though masks will still be required at senior care homes and health care facilities.
Taiwan, close by to Hong kong, just dropped its last indoor mask mandates earlier this month, though it still requires masks on public transport and in health facilities.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.