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Client Alert
Puerto Rico COVID-19 Update Executive Order 2021-058 & Administrative Order 2021-512
By: Angel Berberena, Esq.
July 29, 2021
On July 28, 2021, the Governor of Puerto Rico, Hon. Pedro R. Pierluisi, issued Executive Order 2021-058 (EO 2021-058) requiring COVID vaccination for all government employees. Following existing guidelines, employees with medical conditions and bona fide religious affiliations may be exempted from this requirement. EO 2021-058 also recommends private employers and establishments that provide services to the public to adopt similar measures to stop the spread of the virus.
On the same day, the Puerto Rico Department of Health (DOH) issued Administrative Order 2021-512 (AO 2021-512). This Order requires the use of face masks by all persons in public or private closed spaces, regardless of the individual’s vaccination status. These locations include businesses, medical offices, government offices, casinos, financial institutions, places where consumer, professional, non-professional or religious services are provided, universities, theaters, colosseums, bars, and others. The use of face masks will also be required, regardless of vaccination status, while in open spaces (e.g., parks, sidewalks, beaches) if the persons are unable to keep a social distance of 6 feet.
Failure to observe the DOH Order may result in administrative fines of $100 for individuals and $500 for businesses and corporations as per Regulation 9210. If the infraction is committed by a minor, the administrative fine will be given to the parent or legal guardian of said minor. See: Client Alert of August 25, 2020.
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