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Beijing issues guidance for the public on the proper use of face masks under regular containment measures

Updated: 2020-05-23

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fmprc.gov.cn

Face masks are no longer a must in conference rooms and other indoor venues where there is sound disinfection and ventilation, rigorous health monitoring and social distancing measures. The public is also not mandated to wear masks during outdoor activities on the condition of observing the one-meter social distancing requirement. At the press briefing on Beijing's COVID-19 response on 21 May, Beijing's disease control department issued a guidance for the public on the proper use of face masks under regular containment measures.

Liu Xiaofeng, Deputy Director of the Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, stressed that according to the latest guidance, the following groups of individuals are required to wear masks: medical staff, outpatients, inpatients or those accompanying, caring for and visiting the patients; patients with fever or respiratory disease and their contacts either at home or when going out; individuals going to indoor public spaces with a large crowd and poor ventilation; passengers on the subway or other public transportation; individuals entering care homes, nursery schools, child care centers, elementary and middle schools as well as welfare agencies.

Face masks are mandatory for the following personnel: public services personnel (including receptionists), staff working in shopping malls, supermarkets, restaurants, bars, KTVs, hair salons and beauty parlors, sanitation workers as well as bus, subway, taxi and rideshare drivers. Temperature-checking staff at communities, enterprises, public institutions and other public venues should also wear masks.

People of advanced age and/or with chronic health conditions and expectant mothers, when leaving home or meeting with at-risk people, should wear masks. When at school, teachers and students are advised to wear masks.

Other than the above, the public is not required to wear masks during outdoor activities on the condition of observing the one-meter social distancing requirement, or at conference rooms and other indoor venues where there is sound disinfection, rigorous health monitoring and social distancing measures.