Mexico is a favorite holiday destination for everyone looking to hit the beaches, soak up the sun, explore historical and cultural sites, and enjoy adventure excursions. Mexico has seen a drop in coronavirus cases and tourism is showing signs of recovery.
Tourism in Mexico was impacted as the world has moved through the Coronavirus pandemic together. Thankfully, the states of Quintana Roo, Baja California Sur, and Jalisco have seen a drop in the numbers of new coronavirus cases since the peak in mid-July 2020 and so far more than 72 million people are fully vaccinated.
The states of Baja California Sur and Jalisco and their respective tourist municipalities of Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta continue to monitor the situation. National Undersecretary of Prevention and Health Promotion, Hugo López-Gatell, continues to update each state through the national “stoplight” system every other week.
COVID Stoplight System
Mexico has been using a “stoplight” system to indicate the Coronavirus risk in each state. The stoplight system includes four colors: green, yellow, orange, and red. Green indicates a low risk of contagion, while red indicates a high risk of contagion.
Every two weeks, the Mexican government updates the map of the country, showing each state in its corresponding color, based on data collected during the previous period. In the most recent edition, dated December 13 to December 26, 2021, 27 out of 32 states are in green.
The “green light” means that the risk of contagion is low, and economic and social activities have returned to near normal levels with sanitation and mask protocols still in place. When states reach the “green light,” it doesn’t mean coronavirus has been eradicated, it just means that there is a lower risk of infection. People must continue to be vigilant even at the green light phase. Authorities have mentioned that all safety protocols will continue even though the states are green.
Masks are still mandatory in most public places and indoor establishments in Jalisco and while riding public transportation. Businesses have been inspected by state inspectors to ensure that they are compliant with all federal, state and local safety requirements, and you can see signs in the windows of businesses that have been certified compliant.
In Baja California Sur, face masks are also required in all public places, businesses, and government buildings. Additional health screenings are still being implemented, especially in businesses and airports. Hotels, restaurants, and beaches are operating at 75% capacity. In Los Cabos, physical distance of at least two meters in public places is obligatory. The San Jose International Airport Terminal 2 has reopened and the airport is fully operational.
Currently five states in Mexico are in yellow: Baja California (the state above Baja California Sur), Baja California Sur, Chihuahua, Sonora, and Coahuila.
When states reach the “yellow light,” it means that economic and social activities will continue operating with a 75% capacity.
Tourism in Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta
With the cities of Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta being some of the most visited cities in Mexico, the economies of both states are quite dependent on tourism. For this reason it is extremely important for both destinations to take measures to control the epidemic in a sustained way and make efforts to reduce the risk of transmission.
The government, business owners, and citizens in both states are working together to reduce transmission of the coronavirus.
Travel industry workers know that the Christmas season is very important, and thus are making their best efforts to ensure safety for visitors.
If you plan to travel to Mexico over the holidays, wear a mask and wash your hands regularly. When in public areas make sure to maintain a social distance from other people who are not traveling with you.
Also keep in mind that pre-departure COVID-19 testing is required by most countries for reentry. On-site COVID-19 testing is available at the airport, at most resorts, and at medical centers. Make sure to check the latest information about coronavirus testing requirements in the country you will be returning to as these are continuously changing.
Holidays in Mexico
Rest assured that TAFER Hotels and Resorts and its properties in Los Cabos, Cancun, and Puerto Vallarta have your safety and the safety of your family top of mind.
As a AAA Four Diamond luxury brand, cleanliness has always been a hallmark of Garza Blanca, and even more so during the Coronavirus. We have gone above and beyond required local, state and federal safety requirements and certifications in order to welcome travelers through our doors once more.
The resorts have planned a repertoire of safe and festive activities including Christmas dinner and New Year’s Eve beach parties outdoors with social distancing.
The decrease in coronavirus cases in both Baja California Sur and Jalisco is very promising, so we hope to see you soon!
