Medical union warns that this is not the time to leave the mask in Antioquia

After the national government announced the elimination of the use of face masks in open spaces in municipalities where 70% vaccination with both doses has been exceeded, the Medical Association (Asmedas) of Antioquia and some epidemiologists described the decision as hasty and risky.

The department’s medical union called on the population to continue using the mask despite the pronouncement of the Ministry of Health.

the doctor Alberto Velez Lopez, President of Asmedas Antioquia, assured that, “it is clear that there are many places where vaccination has advanced and has exceeded 70%, but we have to keep in mind that the complete vaccination schedule is three doses and on that subject we have not yet reached 70%”. The association also explained that people with comorbid or debilitating illnesses must complete receiving all three doses of the vaccine.

Vélez reminded the public that although it is not an obligation to wear a face mask, “We have every possibility of using it voluntarily when we believe that we are at risk of contagion in a specific place, whether it is an open or closed space.” He also stressed that it is important to maintain prevention measures such as social distancing, hand washing and completing the vaccination schedule. “It is absolutely necessary to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic,” he added.

It should be remembered that the relaxation of the measure only applies to open spaces, so Asmedas recommended continuing with “this culture of prevention that we have been working on in the last two years.” In fact, the Ministry of Health clarified this Thursday that although the use of face masks outdoors was eliminated, the health emergency still remains in the country.

The perception of the merchants

The trade union welcomed the decision of the national government. María José Bernal Gaviria, executive director of Fenalco Antioquia, told Blue Radio that, “this is going to be part of a lot of confidence, it is going to be a seal of great tranquility, to encourage trade, continue promoting economic activity.”

While Nicolás Posada, director of the inter-union committee of Antioquia, told the same media outlet that they agree with the decision to the extent that progress is made in the National Vaccination Plan. “We hope then that in Colombia the vaccination process continues to advance so that it continues in that leadership in the economic reactivation and in the health of the entire population,” Posada said before Blue Radio.

It should be noted that after the announcement by the national government, the Government of Antioquia stated that there is a total of 38 localities from six subregions that can decree the suspension of the use of the mask outdoors. In Medellín, Envigado and Rionegro, the measure was accepted with great speed.

The new measurement details

The Minister of Health, Ferdinand Ruiz, explained how the measure will be implemented. “There will be no need to wear a mask on the street, stadiums and in general all open spaces where there is direct air ventilation,” said the official, stressing the need to have a mask on hand in case of entering closed places such as shopping centers, cinemas and churches.

Another recommendation is that children wear the mask in the classroom, but these can be removed at recess time, in an open space and in a controlled manner, but they must return to the classrooms with the mask on.

Minister Fernando Ruiz assured that to guarantee control and compliance with the measure, he will rely on citizen discipline. “It is impossible for each citizen to have a police officer behind him to comply with the measure, but beyond that, I believe in Colombians,” he added.

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