Uruguay no longer requires face masks in public spaces and on the street

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – In Uruguay, wearing face masks in public spaces and on public streets is no longer mandatory. This was announced by the Ministry of Public Health in an official communiqué.

“In public streets and open spaces, wearing a face mask is not required unless it is an organized event. In busy or crowded places, such as neighborhood festivals, outdoor shopping trips, etc., its use is recommended but not required,” it added.

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The MOH illustrated this with examples. When walking or running in the street or on the promenade, a mask does not have to be worn. But at a neighborhood fair or as a spectator at a “5K” sports competition or in a stadium where hundreds or thousands of people are crowded together.

In addition, the use of face masks indoors is still recommended. “It is recommended that face masks be worn in enclosed spaces at all events where crowding may occur, if it is ensured that all attendees have received the full vaccination, and in open spaces, if the same situation occurs (crowded events or large crowds). However, in these cases, a minimum interpersonal safety distance should be ensured.”

Therefore, the places where it is allowed to move without a face mask are public streets and open spaces, unless there are many people nearby. In such cases, social distancing must be provided in addition to the mask. The mask still applies to enclosed spaces, especially those with large crowds.

On the afternoon of October 14, President Luis Lacalle Pou was seen outdoors for the first time without a face mask, on the recommendation of the Ministry of Health, reported Canal 5 journalist Joaquín Deleón.