Puerto Rico imposes new restrictions due to covid-19 4:00
(CNN Spanish) --
A little more than two years after the emergency due to the covid-19 pandemic was declared in Puerto Rico, the Department of Health released a new order that eliminates the government regulation - initially established in 2020 - that included the mandatory use of the mask on the island.
In the document, signed on May 6 by Carlos Mellado, secretary of the Department of Health, it is announced that the August 2020 regulation that established the preventive measures for the management of the covid-19 pandemic and administrative fines for non-compliance.
“At this time, its implementation is not necessary in accordance with the public policy established by the Governor of Puerto Rico and the different agencies of the executive branch.
This is that each of the citizens who reside in Puerto Rico have the responsibility to continue taking the precautionary measures that they understand to be correct,” details the order signed by Mellado.
Traveling to Puerto Rico during covid-19: requirements, vaccinations and what you need to know
In March, Governor Pedro Pierluisi had announced the signing of a decree in which the mandatory use of a mask in indoor or outdoor areas was eliminated on the island, but – in turn – he reported at the time that he gave full authority to the Department of Health to require the future use of masks in other circumstances as a measure to prevent new infections of covid-19.
In March, Health had also issued an order informing that it supported the elimination of the use of masks.
Although last week, the government agency reiterated its position, it was decided to maintain the use of the mask in hospitals, offices, clinics, pharmacies and laboratories.
Also among people who work in public transport and in public and private schools, as well as in universities, when classes are held in closed places.
advertising
Also in March, the authorities had also reported on the elimination of restrictions related to capacity in public and private places, and that the requirement to request vaccination or negative test in restaurants and service centers was eliminated.
It was also noted that those who visit Puerto Rico will no longer have to fill out the Traveler's Declaration or present evidence of vaccination.
However, airports will maintain genomic surveillance and covid-19 testing centers until required by the Health department.
Mass activities will be allowed, but the Department of Health will be in charge of coordinating protocols for activities of more than 1,000 people.
Does the use of masks have an expiration date?
1:24
“The public policy of flexibility in preventive measures regarding covid-19 was established taking into account the decrease in infections in Puerto Rico.
They are reflected, both in the executive order of the honorable Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi OE-2022-019 and the administrative order of the Department of Health OA-2022-533.
Said orders eliminate the mask mandate in most areas, the capacity limitation, the vaccination mandates, the screening requirement in private operators, as well as the rules or measures that passengers arriving in Puerto Rico had to follow.” , expresses the order.
In it, the Department of Health informs that it will focus on the surveillance of the development of the covid-19 virus, will promote vaccination, tracking through tests and will provide the necessary prevention recommendations to instruct the public and private sectors, leaving discretion of these take the measures they deem necessary.
As of May 12, the Puerto Rico Department of Health reported a cumulative 306,592 confirmed cases with molecular testing, a cumulative 281,563 cases with antigen testing, and 4,245 deaths.
masksPuerto Rico
