Mexico: Authorities extend land border closure with the US until at least Jan. 21 /update 27

Event

Authorities in Mexico have extended the closure of the nation's land border with the US to all nonessential travel through at least Jan. 21, as part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The ban on recreational boat travel will also remain in effect. These measures have been in place since March under a mutual agreement between the two countries. Cargo transport between Mexico and the US is exempt. Officials in Mexico continue to advise residents to avoid all international travel.

The Mexican government uses a four-tier, color-coded system ranging from "green," the lowest risk level, to "red," the highest risk level, which enables authorities to monitor disease activity at the state level and implement localized restrictions accordingly. At the green level, authorities allow all businesses and activities to operate, while urging residents to maintain social distancing and take enhanced health measures. In-person lessons in schools may also resume. The states of Campeche, and Chiapas will be at the green level until at least Jan. 5.

At the yellow level, authorities allow nonessential businesses to operate with more liberal capacity restrictions than at the orange level, depending on the sector and/or regional government's specifications. Restaurants, personal care services, and lodging businesses may operate at 50-percent capacity. Cinemas, theaters, cultural facilities, malls, public parks, places of worship, and professional sports and gyms may operate at 35-percent capacity. The following states are at the yellow level until at least Jan. 5:

Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Sinaloa

At the orange level, authorities allow nonessential businesses to open with capacity limits. Markets and supermarkets can operate at up to 75-percent capacity. Lodging businesses, restaurants, and personal care services can resume operations at a reduced 60-percent capacity. Shopping malls, places of worship, cinemas, theaters, museums, and cultural events are limited to 25-percent capacity. The following 24 jurisdictions are at the orange level until at least Jan. 5:

Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur, Coahuila, Chihuahua, Colima, Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Morelos, Michoacan, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, Quintana Roo, Sonora, Tabasco, Tlaxcala, Yucatan, Zacatecas

Only essential businesses and services may operate in states designated in the red category. Hotels are only available to critical workers and occupancy is limited to 25 percent. Parks may open at 25-percent capacity. Residents are encouraged to remain inside their homes, except to perform essential tasks. Residents must wear protective face coverings whenever in public. The following states will remain at the red level until at least Jan. 5:

Baja California, Mexico State, and Mexico City

In parts of Mexico City, non-essential businesses, including restaurants and retail stores, must close at 1700. Restaurants may operate on a carryout basis only and sales of street food are prohibited. In addition, vehicular traffic through the Historic District of the city will be heavily restricted, with a number of roads being closed. Residents are also urged to stay at home and wear facemasks in public.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national and regional health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.