The countries and cities in Latin America that have lifted the mandatory use of masks

Does the use of masks have an expiration date?

1:24

(CNN Spanish) --

It's been just over two years since masks became part of the daily lives of millions of people around the world.

Now, due to the decrease in covid-19 cases, and vaccination campaigns that have protected citizens from covid-19, many cities and countries are abandoning the mandatory use of face masks.

Since the end of April and the beginning of May, several Latin American countries have lifted the mandatory use of masks in closed and open spaces.

This is the situation in some countries and cities.

Why should you continue to use masks?

1:11

Argentina

Buenos Aires was one of the first cities in the region to eliminate the use of masks, known in the country as chinstraps, in open places, as long as people can maintain a physical distance of more than 2 meters.

This occurred in October 2021.

advertising

Six months later, with low covid-19 infection rates, the Minister of Health of the province of Buenos Aires, Nicolás Kreplak, reported that as of April 7, 2022, the use of masks in closed spaces such as workplaces, recreational and educational is "optional", but it is mandatory on public transport.

Kreplak said that in the province of Buenos Aires, the cases of covid-19 had not increased and that they are in "a good epidemiological situation."

Meanwhile, with the arrival of winter in Argentina, the provincial authorities of Santa Fe, Córdoba, Mendoza, Jujuy, Santiago del Estero, Río Negro, Entre Ríos, San Luis, Salta and La Rioja ask citizens to continue using the chinstrap. in closed places, and it is optional to use it in open places, according to the Télam agency.

In Neuquén and Chubut, the use of chinstraps is not mandatory in open or closed places, although health authorities call for their use to prevent respiratory diseases during the winter, according to Télam.

Throughout the country, the two-meter social distancing measure is without effect and measures such as avoiding the use of public transport and avoiding contact with other people if symptoms occur continue to be maintained.

Rio de Janeiro Brazil

Since the beginning of March in Rio de Janeiro, the use of masks in closed and open spaces is optional, according to a recommendation from the Special Committee to Combat Covid-19 (CEEC) of the mayor's office.

The CEEC added that immunosuppressed people, with high-risk comorbidities, those not vaccinated against covid-19 (including children) and with flu symptoms are excluded from the rule.

The vaccination passport is the only restrictive measure that remains in force in the state capital.

In Sao Paulo, the use of the mask outdoors has ceased to be mandatory since March.

Colombia

Duque announces removal of masks in closed spaces in Colombia 0:39

As of May 1 in Colombia, the mandatory use of a mask in closed spaces is withdrawn "with the exception of health services, nursing homes, public transport," President Iván Duque reported on April 4. It is also mandatory for "people with respiratory symptoms", according to the Ministry of Health.

"It is possible to use cloth face masks, which provide an adequate recommendation. It is important to reiterate that N95 respirators or high-efficiency masks will be used exclusively by health workers," said Health Minister Fernando Ruiz.

In the country, the mandatory use of face masks in open spaces had already been eliminated since February 2022, for municipalities and cities in the country that have exceeded 70% of the population with a complete vaccination schedule.

On April 27, the Government announced that the use of masks in school settings is eliminated.

The health emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic will last for two more months from May 1 to June 30, reported Duque.

Ecuador

From April 28, Ecuadorians will no longer be required to wear a mask in closed and open spaces throughout the country.

Its use will be optional for citizens, President Guillermo Lasso announced during a special event this Thursday in Quito.

"This April 28, 2022 is a very special day because another important phase of this long fight against the virus that paralyzed the world for more than two years with very serious social and especially economic repercussions ends," Lasso said.

The president said that this moment comes thanks to the Vaccination Plan deployed in the country at a cost of US$ 1,000 million and the support of the international community.

He thanked China for providing nearly 52% of vaccines (between sold and donated) and the United States, Spain, Canada, Argentina, Germany, Mexico and Chile for their donations.

The Minister of Health, Ximena Garzón, reported that the pandemic "is under control" in Ecuador and that the country is experiencing a moment of "epidemiological transition."

The Emergency Operations Committee in its resolution establishes exceptions for patients and medical personnel who go to health centers, medical institutions and hospitals, and for people who present respiratory symptoms.

In addition, it recommends its use for schools, colleges, public and air transport, and work spaces.

Mexico City

The new measures of the face mask in Mexico City 1:31

The Government of Mexico City reported in early April 2022 that the use of the mask outdoors in the Mexican capital is no longer mandatory, but that its use will be voluntary.

The Secretary of Health of Mexico City, Oliva López Arellano, urged people to continue wearing a mask in closed, poorly ventilated or crowded places.

He also asked that a mask be used if a person suspects or has symptoms of covid-19, as well as for immunocompromised older adults.

Panama

Panama withdrew the mandatory use of masks in open spaces since March 28, as long as it is possible to keep a physical distance of one meter.

The Minister of Health in charge, Ivette Berrío, said at that time that the measure of mandatory use of a mask in closed spaces is maintained, but that the use of face shields was no longer necessary.

Among other provisions, the capacity in public transport was eliminated and massive religious activities will be allowed, but keeping biosecurity measures, such as the use of masks and hand hygiene.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico eliminated as of March 10 the mandatory use of a mask in closed and open places, with some exceptions, according to the island's governor Pedro Pierluisi.

On the island, the mandatory use of a mask is maintained in "health facilities, such as hospitals, emergency rooms, doctor's offices, health centers, clinics, laboratories and pharmacies. This mandate is also maintained in long-term care homes for adults. greater".

Restrictions related to capacity in public and private places were also eliminated, and the requirement to request vaccination or a negative covid-19 test in restaurants and service centers was eliminated.

“However, each operator of such establishments, at their discretion, may implement the health measures that they understand correspond to their type of operation, including screening their visitors,” the governor said in a statement.

Uruguay

The Government of Uruguay lifted the health emergency due to covid-19 on April 4, 2022. And, after explaining favorable epidemiological conditions in the country, the Minister of Health Daniel Salinas said that the use of masks will be recommended "for certain people and places , such as in hospitals, health personnel; transportation; and closed environments with a high concentration of the public".

Since the beginning of April, in Uruguay, capacity will no longer be established in closed spaces, or cinemas, or private shows.

In Uruguay, the mandatory use of face masks in open places and on public roads was not mandatory since October 2021, according to national government guidelines.

In outdoor events or in closed places where there are people with complete vaccination, the Government recommended the use of masks, but the events where people who were not fully vaccinated attend, the use of masks is mandatory, according to the directive issued in October 2021.

-- With information from CNN en Español Ana María Cañizares in Ecuador;

Elizabeth González in Panama;

Ignacio Grimaldi from Argentina, and Ana Cucalón and Florencia Trucco from Atlanta. 

Covid-19 masks