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Puerto Rico COVID-19 Update Administrative Order 2021-508A

By: Angel Berberena, Esq.

July 16, 2021

The Puerto Rico Department of Health (DOH) recently published Administrative Order 2021-508A (the Order) to amend Administrative Order 2021-508 of July 1, 2021. The new Order mirrors its previous version in all but for the following:

  • Commercial Establishments:  Private commercial establishments that provide services to the public (e.g., retailers, casinos, financial institutions, customer service, theaters, coliseums, bars, etc.) may require the use of face masks for fully vaccinated persons. The use of face masks remains mandatory for all unvaccinated persons.
  • Events: Organizers, owners or administrators performing any event involving 500 or more persons are required to request evidence of vaccination. Absent said evidence, a negative antigen test result (“NAAT”) may be provided if the test was performed 72 hours before the event.

Administrative Order 2021-508A allows commercial establishments to require the use of face masks regardless of vaccination status. The Order does not impose on commercial establishments the obligation to screen customers or to require evidence of vaccination. Regarding event organizers, owners and administrators, the Order does impose on them the burden to screen attendees by way of vaccination or negative test results.


Goldman Antonetti & Córdova, LLC stands ready to assist you and your business to adjust to Puerto Rico’s regulatory and legal changes. If you need further assistance in this area, please contact any of the following members of our Firm:

Angel Berberena
[email protected]
787.759.4143

Javier Vazquez
[email protected]
787.759.4113

Howard Pravda
[email protected]
787.759.4110

Vicente Antonetti
[email protected]
787.759.4112

Romel Meléndez
[email protected]
787.759.4115

Luis Ortiz Abreu
[email protected]
787.759.4110

Gabriel Quintero
[email protected]
787.759.4130

Disclaimer: Although the information included in this document may concern legal issues, it is not a legal opinion or professional advice and clients shall not use it as such. We assume no responsibility or liability of any kind for any information contained herein, and we expressly disclaim all liability for any claim for damages arising from the use, reference to, or reliance on, such information. If legal or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.