Changes in the use of masks: questions and answers about the new Minsa rules

The end of the pandemic? More than two years after the arrival of the COVID-19 to the Peruannounced that the use of the mask will no longer be mandatory, both in open spaces and in closed spaces, but with some exceptions.

This was reported by the head of the Ministry of Health (Minsa) this Thursday, September 22. george lopez, who also indicated that, among other things, it will no longer be necessary to present the vaccination card against this coronavirus to enter various establishments.

When did this action start?

According to Minister López, it will come into force the day after the publication of the rule in the Official Gazette El Peruano. He estimated that it would be Friday 23 September at the latest as they would have to wait for the relevant ministers to arrive to sign the Supreme Decree.

As we recall, President Pedro Castillo and part of his cabinet just returned this morning from the United States, where they were attending a United Nations (UN) Organization event.

In light of COVID-19, is Peru ready to stop wearing a mask?

Among the reasons why the Minsa made this decision, he stressed that Peru has already reached an optimal level of vaccination against the new coronavirus. According to the ministry, 85.5% of the residents of the national territory have at least one dose of the vaccine against COVID-19.

That is, with one dose, there are 29,859,497 citizens; while vaccinated with two doses, there are 28,203,284. Meanwhile, the number of those who received the three doses is 20,647,039; and finally 4,954,130 people are vaccinated with four.

In addition, there are a total of 625 patients hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2, 157 of whom are mechanically ventilated in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Where will the use of masks be mandatory?

The use of masks will be mandatory in healthcare facilities, as well as on public transport and in closed spaces without ventilation. Likewise, it is mandatory for people with respiratory diseases or with COVID-19 symptoms, both in open and closed spaces.

Where will the use of masks be optional?

The optional use of masks is in open spaces, in closed spaces with ventilation and in educational institutions, both for students and teachers.

Will its use be mandatory in my workplace?

Although there is no official answer yet, it is understood that the use of the mask will no longer be mandatory, even in the workplace, as long as it is a ventilated space with proper social distancing.

Where is it mandatory to present the vaccination certificate?

The obligation to present the vaccination card applies only to passengers entering Peru from abroad and to users of interprovincial transport.

Where do you stop asking for vaccination records?

It no longer has to appear in malls, markets, supermarkets, sports clubs, entertainment venues (clubs, salsódromos, pubs and the like), concerts, theaters, cinemas, gyms, churches, restaurants and other conglomerates.

When will the pandemic end?

Despite the fact that many factors need to be checked to determine the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, López Peña estimated that in two weeks the end of the fourth wave of this coronavirus would be announced in Peru, taking into account the decrease in cases of infections in the last few weeks.

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