Merida, Yucatan — “This is the last call to Yucatecans to take seriously a pandemic that has caused the death of people in Yucatan, Mexico and the world,” said the Governor of Yucatan, Mauricio Vila Dosal after announcing new restrictions to prevent further coronavirus infections.
“We need people to apply prevention measures without exception and restrict social life,” he added during a live message. Vila Dosal affirmed that the current situation is delicate given the lethality of Covid-19.
He stressed that with the conversion of the Yucatan Convention Center as an emerging hospital like the one in Valladolid, all spaces are utilized. “It will no longer be possible to enable more beds. Medical staff are working at full capacity,” he added.
During his broadcast, the Yucatan governor stated that he has seen a relaxation in health and hygiene protocols among locals, saying many have confused the restoration of the economy with the restoration of social life.
“If at this time social life is not reduced to the maximum, we will be forced to close non-essential businesses and return to quarantine in our homes,” he warned before announcing new restrictions that began immediately.
Vila Dosal said that mobility restrictions, carried out by the Ministry of Public Security (SSP), will prevent road traffic from 10:30 p.m. until 5: 00 a.m., while in the coastal municipalities, the mobility restriction will begin at 9:00 p.m.
He announced other restrictions include all all non-essential businesses be closed no later than 6:00 p.m. and that they must remain closed Saturdays and Sundays. Restaurants will close at 10:00 p.m. at the latest Monday to Friday and that Saturdays and Sundays, they will only be able to operate home service, take-away or online.
As of Thursday, all marinas will be shut, he said adding that he has ordered the return of all recreational boats to shore and that the use of any motorized water vehicle, except those for fishing, will be prohibited. As part of the restrictions, the governor announced the reinstatement of the Dry Law throughout the state.
The state of Yucatan has recorded 6,215 positive Covid-19 cases and 582 deaths.
