Attending a phone-in radio program this morning, Lee was asked by callers about the city’s mask mandate, with the caller suggesting citizens should be able to go mask-free outdoors as the risk of infection is relatively low.

In response, the Hong Kong leader stressed government experts have unanimously agreed at this moment that Hong Kong must maintain the mask mandate to prevent hidden transmissions.

However, the chief executive said should Hong Kong’s vaccination rate for children reached a satisfactory level, as well as society back on track to normalcy, he would consider lifting the mandate.

He pointed out that certain groups of people in the city have a low vaccination rate, adding that the inoculation is to prevent them from severe implications and death from Covid.

Lee went on and said he understood with the mask mandate having been implemented for years and still going, citizens could attach less importance to the rule.

Separately, one caller complained of how Covid restrictions were impacting trail races, with limits on participants and on the serving of food – despite such races being socially distanced.

Lee said he would discuss it with government officials to ensure such trail races take place under safe conditions that participants can enjoy.

He explained that most of the city’s anti-epidemic measures were rolled out during the peak of the epidemic, which he agreed there is room for adjustments.