Starting today, April 26, the use of two face masks will be mandatory at establishments with the risk of crowding, such as commercial establishments and pharmacies, with the aim of increasing protection and reducing the risk of COVID-19 contagion, according to a regulation published in the official gazette El Peruano.
Supreme Decree 083-2021-PCM provides that double masking will be mandatory at malls, shopping arcades, conglomerates, department stores, stores providing essential goods, supermarkets, markets, warehouses, and pharmacies.
In addition, the rule recommends the use of face shields at these establishments.
The previous regulation obliged citizens to wear a face mask and face shield at these commercial establishments.
However, as of April 26, people all over the country can only enter said premises with two face masks on and are given the option to wear a face shield as an additional protective barrier.
Moreover, the obligation to wear a face mask in public spaces remains in force.
The above-mentioned decree also states that the Ministry of Health (Minsa), in coordination with other entities in the health sector, is conducting an intensive epidemiological surveillance to identify any increase in cases of people affected by COVID-19 and take immediate measures.
The
Ministry of Health (Minsa) recommends wearing two face masks for greater protection against COVID-19, which is transmitted via aerosol or respiratory droplets suspended in the air, mainly in closed spaces without ventilation.
According to Lely Solari, an infectious disease specialist at the National Health Institute (INS), transmission via aerosol decreases if a person is outdoors.
(END) LIT/RMB
Published: 4/26/2021