The optional use of face masks at open spaces will be in effect as of the first day of May, once the corresponding decree is published in the Official Gazette El Peruano, said Cesar Munayco, Executive Director of Public Health Surveillance at the National Center for Epidemiology, Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) of the
Ministry of Health (Minsa).
"The optional use of face masks in open spaces will take effect as of the first day of May because we must remember that there is a decree in force, which expires at the end of this month (April), and it will be replaced by the next one. It (the current mandate) shall cease to be in force before the new measure is implemented," Munayco explained.
In this regard, he said, so far only Metropolitan Lima, Lima provinces, Callao, Ica, and Ancash meet the vaccination requirements that allow the optional use of face masks in open spaces.
"Only these regions meet them (the requirements). Other regions are close to achieving the goal (80% third-dose vaccination coverage among the population), but the criteria for the removal of face masks in open spaces need to be fulfilled," the expert noted.
Munayco underscored that the optional use of face masks at open spaces will be permitted in those 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.
"This will be evaluated every month so that more regions meeting these two requirements can be added," he said in statements to RPP.
The official explained that the use of face masks will remain mandatory in closed spaces, such as malls or movie theaters, since studies suggest that the COVID-19 virus is more likely to be transmitted in closed spaces.
"It is important that the population be aware that this (the optional use of face masks) will be permitted only in open spaces," he emphasized.
(END) LIT/RMB/MVB
Published: 4/21/2022