Coronavirus: every Hong Kong resident to get a reusable mask as city turns corner in pandemic fight to start gradual easing of Covid-19 curbs

Plan to mask city’s 7.5 million population for free set for roll-out next week with preparations ‘at final stage’

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Millions of washable masks will be delivered to all Hong Kong residents as early as next week. Photo: May Tse

Published: 1:44pm, 3 May 2020Updated: 11:15pm, 3 May 2020

Every Hong Kong resident will get a washable mask from the government that can be reused many times, as the city turns a corner in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic and starts gradually opening up and easing some social-distancing measures.

While health authorities reported another day with zero new Covid-19 infections, the Innovation and Technology Bureau on Sunday said preparations were in the final stage for the citywide distribution of the masks to a population of 7.5 million.

The scheme, to be rolled out within days, was first revealed by prominent microbiologist Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, who said they could be washed up to 60 times for reuse and delivered to residents as early as next week.

A bureau spokesman said the masks had been developed and produced locally using the government’s anti-epidemic fund.

“The goal is that every member of the public can have a durable and reusable face mask,” the spokesman said. “Preparation work has entered the final stage.”

A government source said all residents with a Hong Kong ID card and a local address were eligible for the scheme, and there would be more than enough reusable masks “for each Hongkonger”. “All the masks are newly manufactured. Production started in March,” the source added.