The director of Promotion and Prevention of the Ministry of Health, Gerson Bermont, clarified some concerns about the new measures that began to govern from May 1 in Colombiaregarding the use of face masks in closed spaces and recommended keeping guard with self-care and vaccination against covid-19.
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In this way, Vaccination continues to be a fundamental process for health authorities. “(…) We must assume that there are still populations at risk that have not received their vaccines, so with our friends, neighbors or colleagues who have not received any doses, they still need to complete the scheme or the reinforcement, we can do pedagogy to let them go and protect themselves,” Bermont assured.
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What happened on May 1?
The decision to eliminate the use of face masks in the country began to take effect. However, keep in mind that this can only be done by territories that have met 70% complete schematics and, of this indicator, 40% reinforcements.
Why was it decided to eliminate the use of face masks?
According to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Colombia has advanced efficiently in the execution of the National Vaccination Plan against covid-19, which has
allowed to explore and ultimately make decisions like these.
Some of the arguments that justify this new regulation contemplate the coverage in vaccination against covid-19, the natural immunity that has been obtained by infections and the low incidence, both in infections and deaths, which has been registered for at least six weeks.
Who should continue to wear face masks?
In accordance with the decrees of the health authorities, all people must continue to wear the mask in closed spaces in health centers (hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and others), nursing homes, and public transport.
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What will happen in educational institutions?
It is important to specify that the mask must continue to be used in classrooms. Nevertheless, This measure is valid only until May 15, with the aim of advancing and improving vaccination indicators, especially in minors.
Here it is important to specify that this measure will be rigorous in the municipalities that comply with the rule of 70% of complete schemes and 40% of reinforcements, of that first percentage.
What will happen to the vaccination?
With this measure to de-escalate the mandatory use of face masks, it is intended to keep our guard up with vaccination against covid-19, especially in older adults, who are the most vulnerable to the virus, and in children, which is where there is still a greater lag compared to other population groups.
What regions and municipalities can remove the mask?
According to the updated list of the Ministry of Health, 540 municipalities in Colombia already have 70% of their complete schemes, which indicates that 48.1% of all municipalities in the country can already free themselves from the mask in open spaces.
In addition, 329 municipalities have already completed 40 percent of the reinforcements of that 70 percent, which indicates that they can already eliminate the mask in closed spaces.
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