Face mask in Colombia: when and where to use it

(CNN Spanish) — The Colombian Ministry of Health and Social Protection announced this Friday that the use of face masks is maintained in three settings: transportation, medical services, and nursing homes.

According to a statement shared by the government body, the use of the mask in these three scenarios “is maintained”; while “its mandatory use again” is evaluated, although this is not yet a decision adopted.

“The Minister of Health and Social Protection, Carolina Corcho Mejía, recalled that in Colombia face masks continue to be mandatory in three settings: public transportation, medical services, and nursing homes,” the statement said.

In addition, regarding the possibility of making masks mandatory, he indicated: “This is a proposal that is being considered, if it occurs, it will be for people over two years of age in open and closed spaces where there are crowds.”

As in the rest of the countries in the region, restrictions on covid-19 infections had been relaxed in recent months, either de facto or explicitly by the authorities.

However, in recent weeks, an increase in cases has forced action. “We have seen an increase in consultations in emergency services and to a lesser extent in hospitalization services,” adds the document from the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.

At the beginning of 2022, Colombia had carried out a relaxation of the covid-19 measures regarding the days of isolation of people with symptoms. It went to seven days from the previous 10 and 14, regardless of their vaccination status.

Despite signs of relaxation in the use of masks, however, some people chose to continue using it in crowded places such as public transport.