The dropping of Hong Kong's rules on wearing masks won't apply to hospitals and other public healthcare facilities, officials said on Tuesday.

Patients, visitors and staff members must still cover up, the Hospital Authority (HA) said in a statement, "to minimise the risk of spreading viruses and to protect patients from infection".

Staff will need to keep taking a rapid antigen test for Covid each day before work.

The HA said visitors to its facilities also need to take tests for the virus.

"They are required to perform a Covid-19 rapid antigen test within 24 hours prior to the visit and obtain a negative result," it said.

"No prior appointment is required for visitors and the number of visitors has no limits. Visitors can take turns to visit but only two persons are allowed to enter the ward at the same time. The visiting hours of some hospitals will be extended and visiting sessions will also be adjusted."

Earlier in the day, the government announced that masks would no longer be a legal requirement anywhere in the city from Wednesday, but high-risk places, including hospitals and care homes, could tell people going into their premises that they must wear one.