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The pandemic served as an era when the world experienced moments of uncertainty and threats to freedom. But it seems that this era is coming to an end and governments are beginning to leave behind the restrictions and return to the normality that existed before the COVID emergency.
El American summarized the countries that have lifted facemask mandates and which are taking a step towards the end of the restrictive measures taken during the global crisis.
Is the pandemic finally over?
Chile: As of Thursday, April 14, the use of face masks is no longer mandatory in open spaces and in certain provinces of the country. However, a distance of at least 1.5 meters between each person in crowded places is maintained as a precaution.
Dominican Republic: Luis Abinader, the President of the Dominican Republic, announced the elimination of all restrictions that had been established due to the pandemic, such as the use of masks and vaccine cards. The president justified the lifting of the restrictions by the improvement of health indicators and the success of his vaccine program against COVID-19.
Argentina: As of October 2021, masks are no longer mandatory outdoors. For example, the City of Buenos Aires announced that the use of masks is no longer required in schools, public institutions, and open places; although in closed spaces and private companies it is at the discretion of the owners of the place.
Paraguay: The Government of Paraguay also lifted the health emergency it initiated in March 2020. It put an end to the mandatory use of masks due to the decrease in infections and deaths from the virus.
Spain: Masks are no longer mandatory in most indoor spaces, as is already the case in other European countries. On April 19, the regulation came into force, putting an end to the restriction in one of the countries most affected by the pandemic.
Israel: It will eliminate the requirement to wear masks indoors as of this Saturday, April 23, due to the decrease in cases of COVID-19. The country was the pioneer in the vaccination campaign worldwide.
México: Several states in the country have eliminated the mandatory use of masks. For example, the Government of Mexico City announced the end of the recommendation to use masks in open spaces due to good vaccination and contagion figures.
The Netherlands: The government announced that most of the sanitary restrictions were lifted. And as of March 23, 2022, facemasks are no longer mandatory due to a decrease in hospitalizations and coronavirus infections.
Austria: Since April 16, masks are no longer mandatory. However, it will be maintained for essential indoor areas such as the health sector, supermarkets and public transportation.
France: On March 14, it lifted restrictions to fight the pandemic, including the end of the mandatory use of face masks indoors. It is maintained in public transport or medical centers.
United States: The facemask is no longer mandatory. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintained a recommendation for its use in public transportation. However, this week a federal judge announced the end of this measure as unconstitutional.
Colombia: In February, the Colombian government stopped requiring face masks in open spaces in cities with the best vaccination indicators
Australia As of April 25, masks will no longer be used indoors. The government assured that it appeals to individual responsibility for how each citizen manages his or her health.
United Kingdom: England’s Plan B measures were terminated as of January. Masks in public places and COVID-19 passports were eliminated.
Williams Perdomo es periodista y escritor, especializado en las fuentes Política y Cultura.