Puerto Rico Outfoxed the Pandemic [View all]
Just 57% of Americans are fully vaccinated. In Puerto Rico, however, more than 73% of the population has been vaccinated. This is the highest percentage in the United States, outstripping New England States. The Island also has some the lowest rates of infection and deaths from COVID-19.
How did this happen? One reason is simply that the government of Puerto Rico has been more consistent and effective in responding to the pandemic than the governments of many States.
Government officials in Puerto Rico have mandated stricter responses to the pandemic than most States. Masks have been mandatory, many types of businesses were shut down, and a curfew was imposed. Employers were legally required to report outbreaks, which is not the case in the states. There were penalties for spreading misinformation about COVID-19.
Urgency
Having just come through the most severe hurricane in U.S. history and a swarm of earthquakes, Puerto Rico may have been more mentally prepared than the States to take strong action against the pandemic.
Read more: https://www.puertoricoreport.com/puerto-rico-outfoxed-the-pandemic/