Mexico: Authorities extend border closure until August 21 /update 21

Event

Mexican and US authorities announced on Wednesday, July 15, that the closure of their mutual border has been extended until at least August 21, due to the rise in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in both countries. All nonessential travel including recreation and tourism will be prohibited, however, freight and medical transport are exempt from the ban.

Authorities have announced that 34 neighborhoods in Mexico City will be subjected to tightened restrictions on Wednesday, July 15, due to an increase in locally detected cases of the coronavirus diseases (COVID-19). The areas affected will be placed under the 'red' level (the highest on a four-tier scale), denoting that residents should not leave their homes unless for essential purposes. Hotels will be required to operate at a capacity of 25 percent, and restaurants may only provide takeaway services. Increased testing will be introduced in these areas, and measures will be reviewed by the government after 15 days of implementation. A full list of affected areas can be found here.

The country started easing restrictions previously imposed in June in efforts to revive the country's economy. Businesses and metro services reopened as of June 29 in Mexico City. Around a million face masks were handed out to metro passengers in an attempt to lower infection rates. Additionally, from June 30, Mexico City's historic center has reopened, and, as of July 1, hotels and restaurants were permitted to resume operations at a 50 percent capacity.

As of Thursday, July 16, health authorities have confirmed 317,635 COVID-19 cases with 36,906 associated deaths in the country. Further spread of the virus is expected in 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.