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End of COVID-19 State of Emergency and Implications for the Workplace
New Order or Decree
Author: Alberto Tabales-Maldonado, Associate – Schuster LLC | Littler
On May 11, 2023, Puerto Rico Governor Hon. Pedro Pierluisi issued Executive Order No. 2023-012, through which he declared the end of the state of emergency caused by COVID-19. Governor Pierluisi reiterated, however, that the Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Health retains the authority to publish and implement regulations, directives, administrative orders, protocols or recommendations to deal with COVID-19. The same day, the Secretary of the PR DOH issued Administrative Order No. 571.
The administrative order made vaccination and the use of face masks voluntary, in all sectors, including the healthcare sector. The PR DOH still recommends the use of vaccination, face masks, as well as distancing measures to reduce the exposure to COVID-19. Perhaps the most important and relevant aspect of Administrative Order No. 571 for employers is that the Secretary revoked Administrative Order No. 533, which implemented mandatory isolation guidelines for persons who tested positive for COVID-19 as well as quarantine guidelines for persons who were in close contact with a COVID-19-diagnosed individual.
