Hello, Dior 999! Goodbye, N95!

Ben Kwok March 01, 2023 10:41

Five and nine are the two numbers to remember about the three-year-long pandemic in Hong Kong.

Today finally marks the end of the mask mandate, known as the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599).

Let’s celebrate the 959 days we have survived that we have no choice but to cover our noses and mouths over an ultra-long period way beyond our expectations.

Farewell to the signature N95 and other surgical masks that protect us from the deadly coronavirus.

When we look back, masks are the most effective way to prevent the spread of Covid-19 yet they are also the most inhumane way that most of the 7 billion people on the planet had to put up with.

Now take a deep breath and smile.

We must have lost count of how many masks we bought and wore but one thing we are more certain of is we shall see much fewer mask shops on the street.

One estimate by shop expert Edwin Lee, founder of Bridgeway Prime Shop Fund Management, is that ninety per cent of the mask shops will be eventually closed.

Currently, there are about 300 mask shops, and most of them are on short leases.

Mask maker Savewo told local papers that said its sales dropped 90 per cent in February compared to the same month last year. For a change, Dior 999 and other beauty items are back on the stage.

It was said that there are more beautiful ladies in the city with their masks on. Now lipsticks, cosmetics and other beauty items will need to work the magic.

Sorry ladies, no more pajamas and the hybrid multi-tasking of cooking, babysitting and watching Netflix as the days of working from home would be dearly missed.

But bars and restaurants, snack stores, gym, even dating companies will see a robust and well-deserved comeback.

Welcome to the return of the face-to-face era!

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Ben Kwok

EJ Insight writer