The optional use of facemasks at schools will be evaluated once 80% of the school population aged 5 to 11 years old has received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine,
During an event in Lima's Breña district, the Cabinet member affirmed that 100% of teachers must also be vaccinated against the coronavirus before being able to consider the withdrawal of said biosafety protector at school premises.
According to the official, it must be verified that the positivity rate of COVID-19 cases is less than 5% so as to implement these measures and be sure that wearing facemasks becomes optional.
As for teachers,
Minister Lopez stressed that more than 90% are already vaccinated with full doses.
He reported that this issue might be addressed at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers later today.
Furthermore, he reported that there is 78% progress in the preparation of the Cancer Law regulations.
Monkeypox
On the other hand, Minister Lopez pointed out that his portfolio is working on the communication plan, as well as on the active recruitment of patients infected with monkeypox.
The government official also highlighted the meeting he had earlier today with district mayors of Lima, in order to adopt joint measures to fight this disease in their respective jurisdictions, and thus
prevent the number of cases from increasing.
"As a country, we are actively looking for cases, in relation to (other) countries in South America," he concluded.