China removes mask-wearing rule on public transport

Under new guidelines recently issued by China, individuals have the freedom to decide whether or not to wear masks in outdoor areas such as squares and parks.

Chinese people wear masks when going out. (Source: Reuters)

On April 12, China issued new guidelines related to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to which wearing masks will no longer be mandatory for people using public transport.

The Joint Mechanism for COVID-19 Prevention and Control guidelines specify cases and situations where people should wear masks or can choose to wear/not wear masks.

Under the guidelines, people are advised to wear masks on public transport, in supermarkets, theatres, cinemas and other crowded enclosed spaces.

Individuals have the freedom to choose whether or not to wear a mask in outdoor areas such as squares and parks. Students are not required to wear masks in the classroom.

However, in certain circumstances, wearing a mask is mandatory. These include: people who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, during a local outbreak, or when visiting healthcare facilities and nursing homes.

[China announces new plan for COVID-19 vaccination]

Previously, on April 10, China's National Health Commission (NHC) announced the latest plan for COVID-19 vaccination to increase the immunity level of certain groups of people, as well as further reduce the risk of severe progression and death from the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The plan targets people aged 3-17 who have not been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and have not received the full dose of the COVID-19 vaccine; adults who have not been infected with the virus and have not received the booster shot; and people who have been infected with the virus and have not received the full dose of the vaccine.

According to the plan, adults aged 18 and older who have not had COVID-19 can get the first booster shot 3 months after completing the primary dose. Those who have had the disease but have not completed the primary dose can get the vaccine 3 months after being infected.

Since late January 2023, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that the recent COVID-19 outbreak in China has ended and no new variants have been recorded.

Since March 1, China has also relaxed COVID-19 testing requirements for travelers from several countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Cambodia and New Zealand.

Travelers from the above countries do not need to declare the results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests as before. Instead, travelers who are eligible to fly directly to China only need to declare the results of a rapid antigen test (ART) within 48 hours before boarding the plane./.

According to Hai Yen (TTXVN/Vietnam)

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