The use of masks in the City of Buenos Aires (CABA) is no longer mandatory as of this Thursday after two years. It was announced by the Buenos Aires Minister of Health, Fernán Quiros, at a press conference. “We have moved from mandatory to recommended status,” he said.

The official explained that the measure was taken because “we have spent more than 14 days with a systematic decrease in cases day by day” and that “it is seen that this fourth wave of Omicron in the City is completing its journey.”

Likewise, Quirós pointed out that at this time “the degree of vaccination is very high”, which helped to generate “few serious situations”. As detailed by the minister, in the City there is a vaccination rate of 95 percent in the case of the first dose, 90 in the second, 70 in the third, and just over 25 percent in the fourth.

“We have to build citizenship – he maintained and stressed that those who present symptoms must be aware that they have to take care of themselves. We are moving towards a scenario in which each one autonomously and well informed decides how to take care of themselves and where to take care of themselves”.

Where is the chinstrap no longer mandatory?

From now on, the mask is optional in closed public or private spaces, including transport that circulates within the City. In groups or inter-jurisdictional trains -which depend on the Nation- it is still mandatory.

The use of a mask in schools, theaters, restaurants, and even City Government offices will also be optional. “The norm is general for all places because otherwise, it is very difficult to explain place by place,” said the Minister of Health.

Where it is recommended to continue using the chinstrap

Even so, the Buenos Aires authorities recommend the use of the chinstrap when entering and staying in closed places with public or private access. “We continue to recommend the use of a mask, especially in poorly ventilated interiors,” said Quirós.

In October of last year, the use of face masks was no longer mandatory outdoors in the City.