Many residents and tourists in Macau continued to wear masks outdoors on Monday despite the rule being dropped after three years, while some travellers warned neighbouring Hong Kong may become a less attractive destination given it continues to require the face coverings.

Under the casino hub’s eased rules, people are only required to don masks on public transport and during visits to healthcare facilities and residential care homes.

At the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan on Monday morning, a 33-year-old Israeli national athlete who only gave his first name as Daniel said he was surprised to learn about Macau’s policy change.

“We’re so lucky that we will travel to Macau for its first day of dropping the mask mandate,” he said. “It’s a surprise for us. I can finally say bye-bye to the rule.”

The hockey player, who stayed in Hong Kong for five days before heading to Macau with two teammates, said wearing a mask was “very uncomfortable” for him, as it gave him flashbacks of when the pandemic peaked.

“I don’t remember the last time I wore a mask like that before coming to Hong Kong,” he said.