Hong Kong has announced that it will be lifting its mask mandate on Wednesday, making it the last major restriction imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic to be lifted. Chief Executive John Lee said that the mask requirement will no longer be mandatory in outdoor or indoor public places, including public transportation. However, some high-risk premises may still require people to wear masks. The announcement comes a day after Macao, a neighboring city, also eased its mask rule. This move brings Hong Kong closer to life pre-pandemic, where masks were not regularly worn in public. Lee also warned that the lifting of the mask mandate was not a sign that the pandemic was over, and urged people to continue to observe social distancing and hygiene guidelines. The move has been welcomed by many in Hong Kong, who have been living under the restrictions for months. It is hoped that the lifting of the mask mandate will help boost the city's economy, which has been severely impacted by the pandemic.