Beijing CDC: Proper use of face masks still necessary

Deputy Director Liu Xiaofeng of Beijing CDC highlighted the need to keep containment measures for key population groups, key sites and special areas in place, despite the downgrade of the Public Health Emergency Response level in Beijing to level three. People should still wear face masks when taking public transportation, while in outdoor spaces with proper social distancing, masks are no longer mandatory. Liu shared the information at a press briefing on Beijing's COVID-19 response on 10 June.

Liu cautioned the public against letting off guard or attending mass gatherings, noting the hard-won progress in combating COVID-19. Residents need to continue to wear masks properly and are encouraged to carry masks with them whenever necessary. Despite the summer heat, the following groups should continue to wear masks: those at risk for occupational exposure such as personnel at medical institutions, inspection and quarantine officials at ports and designated quarantine spaces; outpatients and those accompanying, visiting and caring for patients at hospitals; those with symptoms like fever or coughing; those who go to crowded or poorly ventilated indoor public spaces; and passengers riding the subway or other public transportation and people taking elevators. While mask wearing is no longer mandatory in outdoor places, social distancing is still required. In enclosed spaces such as meeting rooms with proper disinfection, ventilation and social distancing, people may not need to wear masks.

Liu encouraged residents to use contactless payment methods such as e-payment and QR code scanning in supermarkets, restaurants and night markets, keep good personal hygiene, wash hands frequently, and take necessary precautionary measures when traveling. Those with fever or respiratory symptoms, especially close contacts of respiratory infection patients, are strongly advised against using public transportation. Given the current COVID-19 situation, large-scale or long meetings should still be avoided. Meetings can only be convened among those in good health following temperature and health code checks. Those with illnesses should not be allowed to attend meetings.