The sixth wave of COVID-19 came to Mexico around October 24, 2022, according to Samuel Ponce de León, a specialist from the UNAM. Because the virus will converge with other respiratory diseasesrecommends resuming the use of face masks to reduce the chain of infections.
Is it recommended to use the face mask again due to COVID-19?
According to the coordinator of the University Program for Research on Epidemiological and Emerging Risks (PUIREE) of the UNAMit is essential “not to lower our guard” so that the crisis due to COVID-19 do not scale to the levels of previous waves.
“It is essential to continue using the face mask. This is the best measure along with hygiene, along with isolation, along with ventilation and along with this responsibility that belongs to each one”.
Dr. Samuel Ponce de León, UNAM
According to the highest house of studies in Mexico, the prevention measures that are recommended to contain the sixth wave of COVID-19 infections son: use of face maskshealthy distance, constant hand washing and ventilation in closed places.
It should be noted that his own Samuel Ponce de Leon announced that the December wave for cases of SARS-CoV-2 It will not be more deadly in hindsight, but it will be just as contagious as the pastparticularly due to the presence of variants of omicronwhich are of concern to the health authorities in Mexico.
Is the use of face masks mandatory in Mexico?
I agree with you “Guidelines for the healthy continuity of economic activities in the face of COVID-19“, published by the Health Secretary In October of this year, the use of face masks It is no longer mandatory in open or closed spaces.
| Open spaces | Closed spaces | |
| Use of face masks | With healthy distance: Not mandatory Without healthy distance: Recommended |
With healthy distance: Not mandatory Without healthy distance: Recommended |
The document from the federal agency points out that you can omit the use of face masks between people who do not share the physical workplace, when drinking or eating food, and during intense physical work.
On the other hand, its use was suggested to people who decided not to get vaccinated o immunocompromised subjectsas well as those who work in poorly ventilated workplaces and share the same space to carry out their tasks.
The mandatory use of face masks returns in Nuevo León
The head of the Ministry of Health of New LionAlma Rosa Marroquín, announced at a press conference that the use of face masks It was once again mandatory in the entity. Thus, it is necessary to return to the use of mask in this places:
- nursing homes
- retirement homes
- Day care centers
- Children’s rooms
- Public transportation
- hospitals
- Clinics
- offices
The state government clarified that for the moment no restrictions will be applied to mobility in New Lion nor in the capacity of the establishments. It is pertinent to remember that New Lion lifted the mandatory use of masks in open spaces last March, given the decrease in contagions of COVID-19 in the state.
What about rapid tests? Are they effective?
Regarding rapid tests, ponce de leon believes that they are not very effective in detecting the Omicron subvariants that are currently circulating, as is the case of “Cerbero”. Their effectiveness depends on when and how they are done, according to the specialist.
A negative result at a time when the circulation of these subvariants starts to shoot does not mean that the person is not infected; It only means that the positivity was not confirmed, “but it is not ruled out,” he concluded.