Mexico: Officials update state-level COVID-19 risk designations through Feb. 6 /update 58

Event

The government of Mexico has updated the COVID-19 transmission risk assessments for each of the country's states effective Jan. 24. The new designations will be in place through at least Feb. 6. Authorities increased the risk level in 15 states, elevating Aguascalientes from yellow, the second-lowest, to red, the highest tier. Officials elevated seven others - Baja California, Coahuila, Durango, Nuevo Leon, Quintana Roo, Sonora, and Zacatecas - to the second-highest level, or orange tier, and a further seven the green to the yellow level. Twelve states remain at the green level.

Domestic Measures
As part of the nationwide epidemiological stoplight system, each state, as well as Mexico City, is assigned one of four color-coded levels based on local COVID-19 transmission, with restrictions being imposed accordingly. These levels range from green to red in order of increasing COVID-19 risk. Following the most recent risk level update, slightly over one-third of Mexico's states are at the green level, with the remainder at higher tiers. The recommended restrictions associated with each risk level and the states assigned to each one are as follows:

Green Level: Authorities recommend no capacity limits for businesses and social activities, but still require masks to be worn on all public transportation. Campeche, Chiapas, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Mexico City, Mexico State, Michoacan, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, Tabasco, Tlaxcala, and Veracruz are at the green level.

Yellow Level: Authorities allow most businesses and social activities to occur with capacity limits of up to 75 percent. The use of protective masks is obligatory in all enclosed public spaces, including when using public transportation. Baja California, Coahuila, Colima, Durango, Quintana Roo, Sinaloa, Sonora, Yucatan, and Zacatecas are at the yellow level.

Orange Level: Authorities allow most businesses and social activities to occur with capacity limits of up to 50 percent. Protective masks are required in all public spaces. Baja California Sur, Chihuahua and Tamaulipas are at the orange level.

Red Level: Residents are encouraged to remain inside their homes, except to perform essential tasks. Officials allow businesses and social activities to occur with capacity limits set at their discretion. Protective masks are required in all public spaces. Aguascalientes is the only state currently at the red level.

The capacity limits and closures are a general guide. Local officials are permitted to enforce additional restrictions or refrain from imposing recommended measures despite the guidance associated with a particular color level.

International Travel Restrictions
The country's northern border is open for non-essential travel. Persons traveling for non-essential reasons may cross into the US if fully vaccinated. International air travel to/from Mexico has continued unabated, and Mexico is not enforcing any mandatory quarantine requirements for arrivals. However, travelers may be subject to health screenings at the airport and those presenting symptoms of COVID-19 may be subject to additional health checks and/or quarantine.

Authorities could tighten 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 travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays.

Resources

WHO Coronavirus Knowledge Base
Mexico Department of Health - COVID-19 Updates
Mexico City Government - COVID-19 Updates