Mexico: Border restrictions with US extended through July 21 /update 15

Event

The Mexican government announced that land border restrictions with the US, which were introduced due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, will be extended through July 21. The measures, which were due to expire on Monday, June 22, limit border crossings to those who are entering for essential work, including healthcare professionals, and those working in cargo and trade.  

A three phase-plan to ease nationwide lockdown measures was announced on May 13, as part of plans to reopen the country's economy. In the first phase, economic activity resumed in 269 municipalities with low numbers of COVID-19 cases from May 18. During the second phase, some national social distancing measures were lifted on June 1. The government will subsequently assess the readiness of individual states to reopen in phase 3, which began in June, by using the following color-coded system, which will be implemented on a weekly basis:

• Red: Only essential activities, as well as work in the mining, construction, and automotive industries, are allowed.
• Orange: Limited nonessential activities may resume. Individuals vulnerable to COVID-19, such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, may return to work with strict social distancing measures in place.
• Yellow: All essential and nonessential activities may resume. Restaurants, churches, museums, and theatres may reopen but at a reduced level.
• Green: All restrictions will be lifted, and schools may reopen, although sanitary measures must be adhered to.

As of Thursday, June 18, authorities have confirmed 159,793 cases of COVID-19 in the country and 19,080 associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.