The Government of Peru, through the
Ministry of Health (Minsa), has issued the official list of areas where the use of face masks in open spaces is optional, as was established by a rule published on Tuesday in the Official Gazette
El Peruano.
According to
Supreme Decree No. 319-2022/MINSA, said areas are Metropolitan Lima, Lima Provinces, the Constitutional Province of Callao (Callao region), as well as the regions of Ica and Ancash.
The rule also provides that said measure applies to regions where 80% of the population over the age of 60 has received the three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and where 80% of the population over 12 years of age has been given the two doses.
Moreover, the document makes it clear that the use of face masks in open spaces within these areas shall be optional, provided that physical or bodily distancing is guaranteed, adding that this could be modified according to the epidemiological context.
In this regard, Minsa regularly determines —through a ministerial resolution— the regions that meet the aforementioned requirements and other specific needs that may be required.
The rule, signed by Health Minister Jorge Lopez, indicates that it is mandatory to wear a KN95 mask or a three-fold surgical mask and over it, a community mask (fabric), to circulate on public roads and in enclosed places.
(END) LIT/RMB/MVB
Published: 5/3/2022