The mandatory mask-wearing mandate in outdoor settings could be lifted in Quintana Roo in April, said Governor Carlos Joaquín over the weekend.
Joaquín said that after observing a downward trend in covid-19 infections and hospitalizations, the state, home to Cancun, is now gearing up to lift the rule.
The mandate could be removed by mid-April provided that Covid-19 infections continue to decrease. However, that would not be the only criteria to take into consideration.
“It is not only due to the decrease in the number of cases but over time, that we do not have a rebound,” Joaquín said.
After five weeks of infection decline, the percentage of positive results dropped to 23.5% on average across the country in the first week of March.
Only three states were below 10% during the same period, according to the Ministry of Health (Ssa).
“It is important not to let our guard down. Easter is coming and the return to face-to-face classes is now 100 percent, so it will be important to follow health measures,” Joaquín said.
Meanwhile, Governor of Nuevo Leon Samuel Alejandro Garcia Sepulveda released new epidemiological guidelines this weekend making wearing face coverings optional in open places.
The announcement comes as Mexico’s top tourist destinations prepare to receive spring break visitors from around the world.
In fact, Cancun International Airport has already reported a rise in air traffic as people began flocking to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and nearby destinations.
On Friday, only the Cancun airport received 559 flights, connecting the city to 67 destinations, according to the Southeast Airport Group (ASUR).
International flights accounted for 202 of Friday’s flights, while domestic flights accounted for 78. The majority of visitors came from the United States, Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and other European Union countries.
Some weeks ago, the U.S. State Department issued a level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory against Mexico.
However, on March 11 it was lowered to level 3 “Reconsider Travel”.