Bogotá D.C., April 25, 2022. After the announcement by the President of the Republic, Iván Duque, on the lifting of the mask in closed spaces, as well as the extension of the Health Emergency, the minister of Health and Social Protection, Fernando Ruiz was emphatic in indicating that it means that there will still be cases in which the mask will have to be worn.
He pointed out that, in cases such as closed spaces in educational institutions, that is, classrooms, the face mask should be used, but not in open spaces such as rest areas for boys and girls at school. "It's inside the classroom where you have to wear a mask," he said.
The minister explained that the reason for continuing to use the mask in spaces such as classrooms is because "according to the epidemiological peak due to respiratory diseases that we are experiencing, the Epidemiological Committee evaluated the issue and considered that we may have situations in which there may be an increase in respiratory infection, which can be masked by COVID-19 in children, mainly."
Already in scenarios such as cinemas or shopping centers, as in other massive events, the use of the mask is eliminated in both adults and children. "It is eliminated in all spaces such as restaurants," Ruiz completed.
The use of the mask is requested only in health service spaces, nursing homes, closed school spaces and in transport (not only in public transport).
Thus, the use of the mask in the mass transport system of the different Colombian cities continues. Also, on flights and cruises.
It should be noted that these measures will come into force as of May 1 of this year, and in the case of lifting the mask in closed spaces, it will apply to municipalities with 70% of its population with a complete scheme and 40% with booster dose.
Consult the list of municipalities with 70% of its population with a complete regime and 40% with a booster dose.
For the minister, the new measures mean a moment of transition. "The extension of the health emergency and the reason why it is not eliminated is because a very short time has elapsed between the reduced number of cases, infections and deaths, so we have to wait a while," he explained.
Therefore, Ruiz explained that there is still uncertainty regarding COVID-19, and although six weeks have passed with low numbers, this is a short period in epidemiological terms "compared to what it means to have a safety margin in what can happen in the immediate future."
He reminded the health manager that the different Omicron subvariants already circulate in Colombia, which makes it easier for the numbers of low infections to occur in such an environment. "But it is prudent to wait and keep a continuous watch on the situation," he pointed out.
Vaccination card
Regarding the request for the vaccination card for flights to Colombia, the minister indicated that the two doses are still required (with a complete schedule), "but we are allowing incomplete schedules with PCR or antigen tests."
"And also, regarding people who have not been vaccinated, they can enter with a PCR or antigen test," he said, and explained that if a person arrives in Colombia and has not been vaccinated, or has only one dose, they can present proof of PCR or antigen.
