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Client Alert
Puerto Rico COVID-19 Update Administrative Order 2021-508A
By: Angel Berberena, Esq.
July 16, 2021
The Puerto Rico Department of Health (DOH) recently published Administrative Order 2021-508A (the Order) to amend Administrative Order 2021-508 of July 1, 2021. The new Order mirrors its previous version in all but for the following:
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Commercial Establishments: Private commercial establishments that provide services to the public (e.g., retailers, casinos, financial institutions, customer service, theaters, coliseums, bars, etc.) may require the use of face masks for fully vaccinated persons. The use of face masks remains mandatory for all unvaccinated persons.
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Events: Organizers, owners or administrators performing any event involving 500 or more persons are required to request evidence of vaccination. Absent said evidence, a negative antigen test result (“NAAT”) may be provided if the test was performed 72 hours before the event.
Administrative Order 2021-508A allows commercial establishments to require the use of face masks regardless of vaccination status. The Order does not impose on commercial establishments the obligation to screen customers or to require evidence of vaccination. Regarding event organizers, owners and administrators, the Order does impose on them the burden to screen attendees by way of vaccination or negative test results.
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