Facemasks
In some parts of China it is common to see facemasks not too dissimilar from those worn by medical or dental practitioners. Naturally, this became mandatory after Covid. Hong Kong has always been hot on facemasks, but Mainland China not so much. Nowadays there is more facemask wearing since the disaster of Covid-19 but this has since dropped off to most cities now not wearing facemasks.
You’ll still see public transport and official staff donning masks to assure the public that they maintain a high standard of public decency. It really shouldn’t be necessary to don a facemask.
Only weather-wise, such as in the North in the sub-zero temperatures, a facemask might help (although a good scarf will do the trick anyway). In summer, women use umbrellas to keep the sun, and hence a nice tan, off their skin if you see facemasks on ladies in the hot and sunny summer weather.
If you need facemasks, they can be bought from any local chemist which are scattered across all neighbourhoods. Small packs of ten disposable masks are dirt cheap.
