Puerto Rico may point to how to beat the COVID pandemic

Why one of the most vaccinated places in America couldn’t avoid omicron Puerto Rico has been hit hard by omicron, but it’s still a model for how the US can beat the pandemic. Nicole Narea Vox

...Public health officials project that the spike will last for about another two weeks. In the meantime, the Puerto Rican government has done what other US states and territories have refused to do, reviving restrictions on gatherings, travel, and school openings at the recommendation of scientists and public health officials. However, there is not much it can do about persistent hospital staffing shortages, which continue to threaten not only the welfare of Covid-19 patients, but also others seeking lifesaving care. 

The governor has delayed the start of public schools by two weeks and recommended private schools do the same. He has made booster shots mandatory for employees in the health and education sectors, and all schoolchildren age 5 and older must have their first dose by January 10.

Those attending mass events now have to provide not only proof of vaccination, but also a negative Covid-19 test taken within 48 hours of the event. All establishments serving food and drink have to require vaccination or a negative test for entry, and capacity at those places is limited to 50 percent or 250 people maximum. All passengers on flights to Puerto Rico also have to show a negative test. And businesses must close between midnight and 5 am and are not allowed to sell alcohol during those hours.

Major events on the island have consequently been canceled or changed to a virtual event, including the Miss World pageant and a 10,000-person New Year’s celebration. ...