The Hospital Authority today announced that all patients, visitors and staff are still required to wear a surgical mask while entering public hospitals or healthcare facilities from March 1, when the mask-wearing requirement is lifted.   

It said that the mask mandate would be kept in public hospitals in order to minimise the risk of spreading viruses and to protect patients from infection.

Patients, visitors and staff are reminded to clean their hands before entering and leaving the premises, and pay attention to hand hygiene at all times.

Clinical staff are still required to perform a COVID-19 rapid antigen test before work every day. On top of wearing a surgical mask, they must wear suitable personal protective equipment subject to operational needs.

Starting March 1, visitors do not have to perform any nucleic acid tests. They are required to perform a COVID-19 rapid antigen test (RAT) within 24 hours prior to the visit and obtain a negative result.

No prior appointment is required for visitors and the number of visitors has no limits. Visitors can take turns to visit but only two people are allowed to enter the ward at the same time.

Volunteer services in public hospitals will resume completely. Volunteers must receive proper infection control training, and those providing services in clinical areas are also required to perform an RAT beforehand.

The authority said it will keep monitoring the situation after the mask mandate is lifted, including the admission trend of COVID-19 or influenza patients.