It’s official: as of this Tuesday, 451 municipalities, which correspond to the 40.2% of the national territory that meets more than 70% in complete vaccination, they will be able to say goodbye to masks in public spaces. This was ordered by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, at the hands of President Iván Duque Márquez.
(Read: 40.2% of the country’s municipalities, without face masks outdoors).
However, more than half of the territories (59.7%) still are not fit to take this measure, according to the latest vaccination report from the Ministry of Health. As for the main cities, Bogotá, with 72.4% compliance, Medellín with 74%, Barranquilla (84.8%), Bucaramanga (77%) and Cartagena (71.4%), will be able to eliminate their restrictions the mandatory nature of the mask outdoors.
Cities such as Cali and Santa Marta, which have complete vaccination levels of less than 70%, remain pending.
THIS IS HOW THE MEASURE WILL WORK
Although this news represents the end of a restriction that accompanied the world for two years, the Ministry of Health clarifies that the number of people in a public space and the flow of air must be taken into account.
(Keep reading: iPhones can be unlocked while wearing a mask).
So, the Minister Fernando Ruiz pointed out that: “There will be no need to wear a mask in the street, stadiums and in general all open spaces where there is direct air ventilation, there is a need in closed spaces, which means that we must walk with the mask in the bag or pocket”.
Regarding mixed shopping centers, with open and closed spaces, it is recommended to use
According to this instruction, the public transport will continue to require the use of respiratory protection.
(What’s more: The cities that will be able to lift the restriction on the use of a masky).
Regarding mixed shopping centers, with open and closed spaces “ It is recommended to use the face mask because you will be moving from an open place with direct ventilation to a place without direct ventilation”, explained the head of the portfolio.
Which indicates that the mask should be used in cinemas, churches, restaurants and anywhere that does not have direct ventilation.
Now, as for the guidelines for school spacesMinistry of Health clarified that: “the recommendation with children is to use the mask in the classroom, but they may be allowed to remove the mask at recess, in open spaces and in a controlled manner, but they must return to the classrooms. classes with the mask “.
Although this measure is a relief for the citizen, the health portfolio urged Colombians to comply with the measure correctly, to avoid an increase in infections.
“The first thing is to trust in the autonomy and self-discipline of people, it is impossible for each citizen to put a policeman behind“, argument.
BRIEFCASE
