Riviera Maya, Q.R. — Due to the continued low incidences of covid-19 infections around Cancun and Riviera Maya, mouth masks in open spaces are no longer mandatory in the state. Governor Carlos Joaquin has reported that as of March 22, the use of mouth masks in open public places will no longer be necessary.
He made the announcement Sunday evening explaining that the decision was made after a marked decrease in the numbers of infections and hospitalizations across the state.
As of March 22, people will not be required to wear mouth masks “(…) when you go out to exercise, when you are on the beach or when you walk down the street,” he explained adding that wearing them will be voluntary.
However, in closed places such as offices, banks, public transportation and supermarkets, mouth masks for both residents and tourists will still be required. Crowded places such as outdoor events, markets and tianguis will also require the wearing of a mouth mask.
The governor also added that public caretakers as well as medical and service personnel such as restaurant workers, must wear a face mask while on duty.
“We have hospital occupancy levels below 2 percent. We do not have intubated patients and our fatality rate is well below the national average with several days with zero deaths,” he said noting that most people who have tested positive in recent weeks have had very mild symptoms.
A large part of the people who live in the state have a complete vaccination scheme, something that has significantly helped to reduce infections. He also said that the state will continue to monitor infection rates, stressing that the voluntary use of the face mask is not a definitive measure.