Puerto Rico to lift mask mandate for 2nd time in pandemic

Puerto Rico’s goverr anunced Monday that he will eliminate use of face masks indoors for second time since pandemic began. new measure will go into effect on Thursday with few exceptions: face masks will still be required in health facilities and nursing homes.

In dition, starting March 10, domestic travelers will longer have to present proof of vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test or fill out a currently required form. Gov. Pedro Pierluisi also will lift all capacity restrictions at public and private businesses and said proof of vaccination to enter will longer be required.

U.S. territory of 3.2 million people has reported a 4% positivity rate, a significant drop from nearly 40% reported during holiday season. Pierluisi said that more than 95% of people in Puerto Rico have received ir first vaccine dose, 86% ir second dose, and more than 50% ir booster. island has reported more than 267,000 confirmed cases and more than 4,000 deaths.