Isla Mujeres, Q.R. — The mayor of Isla Mujeres says his government is currently working on protocols for the reopening of Isla Mujeres beaches. In a statement, Mayor Juan Carrillo Soberanis said that due to the change in the region’s epidemiological light, protocols for the gradual reopening of beaches will be made when the color takes effect Monday.
The change in the epidemiological light, which was announced by Governor Carlos Joaquín González as part of the state’s recovery process, will be yellow from September 7 to 13. Due to the increased status, beaches in the northern zone will be allowed to reopen to local citizens. Until now, only tourists staying in hotels have been allowed on state beaches.
Kerem Pinto Aguilar, director of the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone (Zofemat) for Isla Mujeres explained that although the beaches of Isla Mujeres will play a very important role in the economic recovery, as a government, the lives of people are still priority and that strict health and safety protocols will be in place.
“Since the beginning of the New Normal as a government, we have been working on a series of provisions attached to sanitary recommendations so that when the time is right, our beaches can be enjoyed by both island families and those who visit us,” explained the official.
She said as part of the new regulations, beaches will have a schedule and those visiting will not be permitted to stay more than three hours. She says beachgoers must also respect the healthy distance of at least 2.5 meters and that groups of more than five people will not be allowed.
Sanitizing gel and a mask or protective lens will also be required. Alcoholic beverages will not be permitted.
“Let us remember that now we are living with Covid, which is why it is very important not to neglect the measures that we have been working on in recent months to be able to continue advancing in the colors of the epidemiological light that allows us to open more spaces, as in this case, beaches. It is very important that as a society we make the commitment to continue taking care of our health and of others,” she added.
On September 7, with the change in epidemiological light, beaches in the northern part of the state are expected to reopen. Beaches from Holbox and Isla Mujeres to Cancun, Puerto Morelos and Tulum are anticipated to participate in the reopening. Beaches in Playa del Carmen reopened in August.
