Hong Kong marked its first day without compulsory masking on Wednesday, with face coverings now only mandatory in settings such as hospitals and care homes. But the masking rule is only one of several changes taking effect as the Covid situation eases.

Under the latest alterations, secondary school pupils no longer need to undergo rapid antigen tests before going to class. However the testing requirement for pupils at primary, kindergarten and special education needs schools continues until March 15.

The government said its free nucleic acid testing service would end on Wednesday, with 21 community testing centres remaining to provide testing services for a price.

People no longer need nucleic acid tests to visit public hospitals and residential care homes, with rapid tests now accepted instead.

Community vaccination centres at the Osman Ramju Sadick Memorial Sports Centre, Tsing Yi MTR Station and Millennium City 5 closed on Tuesday.

Other community public vaccination venues will continue to operate, opening from 10am to 6pm.