27 Jul 2021 | 11:35 PM UTC
Puerto Rico: Authorities to reinstate COVID-19-related indoor mask-wearing requirement for all individuals effective July 28 /update 27
Puerto Rico to reinstate mandatory mask-wearing indoors for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, as of July 28.
Event
Authorities in Puerto Rico will revive the territory's COVID-19-related requirement to wear face masks indoors effective July 28; the mandate will apply to all individuals, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated or not. Officials had previously removed the requirement for fully vaccinated individuals, but have chosen to reinstate it in response to a recent rise in disease activity as vaccination rates have slowed. Most other restrictions, including capacity limits and a nightly curfew, remain rescinded. However, all persons attending events of 500 persons or more must still present either proof of full vaccination or a negative result from a COVID-19 antigen test taken no earlier than 24 hours before the event begins.
International Travel Restrictions
Puerto Rico's borders have reopened to all travelers, save those prevented from entering the US due to ongoing COVID-19-related restrictions at the federal level. Arriving passengers must wear protective face coverings and are subject to enhanced health screenings and protocols. Travelers must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival or else prove that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Those arriving without such documentation can either be tested at the airport or within 48 hours after arrival; they must remain in quarantine at their own expense while awaiting the results. Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 will be subject to a quarantine period lasting a minimum of 10 days at their own expense.
Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Reconfirm all travel arrangements and business appointments. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.
Resources
WHO Coronavirus Knowledge Base
Puerto Rico Health Department - COVID-19 Updates
