Cancun, as well as other major tourist destinations in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, will be closely monitored over the coming weeks to slow down the spread of COVID-19.
The Governor, according to local papers, has brought agents from other Mexican states to monitor establishments in popular tourist areas to evaluate if they are adhering to COVID-19 restrictions and sanitary protocols.
These new measures are part of the state’s effort to prevent a “red light” designation, which would ask people within the state to stay inside except for essential purposes. Currently, Quintana Roo is under “orange light” designation, meaning that all hotels, restaurants, tourist destinations and other establishments are operating at reduced capacity limits.
Carlos Joaquín González, the governor of the state, said that under the current trajectory, the “red light” designation is likely and steps are being taken to ensure it does not happen. “We are facing a very important moment, what we do will be reflected in what will happen in the coming weeks,” he said.
In addition, markets, malls, and other stores are being encouraged to enforce social distancing, temperature checks, mask-wearing, and sanitization measures.
Hotels, restaurants, and other businesses are running at 50% capacity under the current rules. However, many establishments have obtained permission to allow more than the typically designated percentage, according to local sources.
Joaquín González had also announced road closures in the major tourist areas such as hotel strips in Cancun. The restrictions begin at 8 p.m. local time, where police begin to slow down traffic on predetermined roads, and fully close down those select streets from 1:30 a.m. to 5 a.m.
State officials will also distribute masks in public places and encourage locals and tourists to follow health and safety protocols.
