Beijing CDC Relaxes Mask Rules... Again

For the first time since COVID-19’s resurgence in the city, Beijing’s Center for Disease Prevention and Control announced yesterday that wearing masks outdoors is no longer necessary. The last time such an announcement was made was back in May, when the capital enjoyed a brief respite from coronavirus regulations. 

The new guidelines suggest that folks can go mask free when outside and in areas that aren’t crowded. While such language is a bit vague, the takeaway is that if you’re in a place such as a sports stadium or large scale event, masks should still be worn. The guidelines also noted that if you’re in close contact with your partner you don’t need to wear a face covering, because obviously the couple that gets sick together sticks together.

In closing the announcement, the CDC reiterated some commonsense practices, such as monitoring children’s hygiene and reminding them not to touch their eyes, mouths, and noses while sharing toys or facilities such as playground equipment. Moreover, people should stop spitting on the ground and keep their sneezes and coughs to themselves. And of course, wash your damn hands.

While news like this always takes a bit of time to circulate, it may behoove you to continue wearing a mask for the time being, especially if everyone else is. It’s just polite, really. At any rate, if you still have questions or concerns about when you should or shouldn't wear a mask, check out our helpful guide, which was compiled the last time we went through this. Hopefully, we won't have to use it again.

READ: Coronavirus Count: Beijing's Latest Contamination Figures, News, and Advice

Images: Zhang Kaiyv (via Unsplash)