COE resolved to resume the voluntary use of the mask in open or closed spaces due to the reduction in cases of respiratory diseases

The national Emergency Operations Committee (COE), which is made up of several state entities, evaluated the situation due to respiratory conditions on the afternoon of Tuesday, February 7.

According to Vice President Alfredo Borrero, who was part of the organization’s meeting, the health indicators of respiratory diseases were analyzed.

National COE will evaluate whether or not the mandatory use of a mask in closed places is maintained

“Cases have decreased throughout the country, however, we must not be neglected,” he wrote on his Twitter account. Twitter.

The last meeting of the national COE had been on December 20, 2022, when the resolutions of the 7th of that same month were ratified.

On that occasion, due to the increase in respiratory conditions, the entity resolved that the use of a mask should be mandatory in closed spaces, poorly ventilated places and where distancing cannot be maintained, such as at work, public transport, classrooms.

Also in hospitals, health centers, laboratories and the same request was for all people with respiratory symptoms.

And there was a recommendation to wear a mask in open places where massive events and crowds take place where physical distancing cannot be maintained.

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This Tuesday, after learning about the report on the epidemiological situation presented by the Ministry of Health, the agency resolved to resume the voluntary use of the mask in open or closed spaces.

In April 2022, the Government announced that in Ecuador the use of a mask in open and closed spaces at the national level was no longer mandatory, although it was mandatory for health centers, hospitals, and health establishments for patients and visitors.

Then, in October of that same year, it eliminated the requirements to enter the country due to COVID-19.

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The COE also resolved -this Tuesday- that the use of the mask will continue to be mandatory in closed spaces in the case of health centers, hospitals and health establishments for both patients and visitors. Also in gerontological centers and residences for the elderly.

The obligation includes people who present respiratory symptoms in open and closed spaces.

Borrero indicated that the use of the mask on public transport is recommended.

It is important, added the official, to complete the vaccination schemes and maintain biosecurity measures, and in this sense, the COE urged citizens to continue with the vaccination process, complete the scheme with two booster doses, especially in the case of people older than 65 years and patients with immunosuppression. (YO)