With a few exceptions, the change will be in effect on Thursday. In nursing homes and health facilities, face masks will be required.
Domestic travelers no longer need to show proof of vaccination, a negative coronavirus test, or complete a required form.
Gov. Pedro Pierluisi will also lift all restrictions on capacity at public and private companies and will say that proof of vaccination will not be required to enter. He stated that all vaccination requirements, including those for public school students, restaurant workers and health workers, will be removed.
The Scientific Coalition of Puerto Rico, an expert group appointed by the governor for advice during the pandemic, stated that it supported some of the measures but recommended that certain vaccine mandates be maintained and proof of vaccination for events of more than 1,000 people should be retained.
It was also recommended that masks be worn in enclosed areas that serve the public, such as buses and airports.
“We are still facing uncertain scenarios within the context of variants,” stated Dr. Iris Cardona, a member of the coalition.
A 4% positive rate was reported by the U.S. territory with 3.2 million inhabitants, a substantial drop from the almost 40% recorded during the holiday season.
Pierluisi stated that more than 95% of Puerto Ricans have had a first dose of vaccine, 86% received a second dose and over 50% received a booster shot.
More than 267,000 coronavirus cases have been confirmed on the island. There has also been more than 4,000 deaths due to COVID-19.
