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Puerto Rico Moves to Relax Most Coronavirus Restrictions


FILE - A Puerto Rican flag flies on an empty beach at Ocean Park, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, May 21, 2020.
FILE - A Puerto Rican flag flies on an empty beach at Ocean Park, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, May 21, 2020.

Puerto Rico’s governor is suspending almost all restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The executive order will allow businesses, including movie theaters, spas, gyms, churches and beaches in the U.S territory to reopen Tuesday after three months of closures.

Gov. Wanda Vázquez said Thursday that health officials believed Puerto Rico's COVID-19 cases and deaths peaked two months ago.

Some medical experts questioned the government's summation, noting testing has been limited.

Vázquez also said public transportation will not resume operation, the new 10 p.m.-5 a.m. curfew will last for two more weeks and masks will still be required in public and inside businesses.

Social distancing is also still required as Puerto Rico moves toward reopening all business over the coming weeks.

Vázquez warned the restrictions will return if there is a surge in coronavirus cases, deaths or people admitted to the hospital.

So far, Puerto Rico's government has confirmed more than 1,400 coronavirus cases and at least 144 deaths.

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