‘Era has passed’ as Beijing subway drops mandatory COVID mask rule

Beijing’s metro has abolished strict mask requirements for travellers, local media reported on Sunday, days after a Chinese health expert assessed the threat of COVID-19 to humans is no longer at a critical level.

State media reported last week that China has lifted the public transportation mask requirement.

“It’s as if an era has passed,” a Xiaohongshu user said after the rules were relaxed.

Beijing Daily stated that subway station staff removed mask-wearing signage.

Wu Zunyou, chief epidemiologist of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, told China Daily that World Health Organization data suggests the pandemic is ending.

According to the Global Times, China, which relaxed its COVID standards in December, reported an increase in COVID positive in early April. Respiratory specialists doubted China would see another widespread outbreak.

China has repeatedly declared victory over COVID-19, emphasizing its pandemic response.

The virus remains a menace, according to some social media users.

“Let’s hope there will not be a second wave of infections,” a Weibo user said.

Xinhua said that masks are optional on public transportation, in supermarkets, movie theaters, and other major indoor gatherings.

The findings stated that COVID-positive people and those with symptoms must wear masks during local outbreaks and in hospitals and nursing homes.

Hong Kong eliminated mask mandates on March 1.