Attendees to mass events must present negative COVID-19 test in addition to vaccination evidence

Faced with record numbers of infections of COVID-19 in Puerto Rico, the governor Pedro Pierluisi signed this Sunday a new executive order that establishes that everyone attending a mass activity in closed or open spaces and that encourages the agglomeration of people will have to present a negative coronavirus test -molecular or antigen- carried out 48 hours or less before the event , in addition to your proof of vaccination.

The measure will take effect on Wednesday, December 22. “I am extremely aware of the daily statistics related to the COVID-19 pandemic and in constant communication with the Secretary of the Department of Health, Carlos Mellado, and attentive to the recommendations of experts on this subject. Puerto Rico has been a national and global example in terms of vaccination, and in complying with the measures to counteract this pandemic and we cannot lower our guard, ”said the governor.

The chief executive, however, did not establish a booster dose of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine as a requirement to enter establishments and events, a recommendation of the Scientific Coalition appointed by him and endorsed by the chief epidemiology officer of Cheers, Melissa Marzán. The Coalition held an emergency meeting on Saturday to establish new recommendations, but as of this writing they had not been published and there was no reaction from the body to the governor’s order 2021-080.

Establishments include theaters, amphitheaters, stadiums, coliseums, convention and activity centers, and any other venue where events are held, the order dictates.

The new measure also establishes that any mass activity abroad – other than an amphitheater, stadium, activity center or any other open venue – that encourages the agglomeration of 500 people or more must coordinate with the Department of Health to establish the protocol to be followed “to ensure that the activity is safe for the health of all present.” This includes requiring the use of the mask during the entire activity and determining whether the presence of children under five years of age is appropriate.

Likewise, it states that in mass activities abroad, which lead to the agglomeration of less than 500 people, it will not be necessary to coordinate previously with Health to establish the protocol, but all visitors will be required to use masks at all times. In these activities, Health will be empowered to require any particular protocol, when it deems it necessary.

Read the executive order: