Last Updated
The Governor of Jalisco announced new restrictions on Wednesday including closing all bars and nightclubs in Puerto Vallarta. The new measures will go into effect August 1st and last for the entire month. The Delta variant is spreading rapidly in the city causing a spike in Covid-19 cases which has resulted in the state announcing several new measures. Here is everything travelers need to know about the new restrictions in Puerto Vallarta and surging cases in Mexico’s tourism hotspots.
Several new restrictions will go into place for Puerto Vallarta August 1 including:
- Bars and nightclubs will be closed for the month
- Restaurants must close by midnight
- Restaurant capacity reduced to 50%
- All large public events have been cancelled for the remainder of the year including Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
- Attendance at stadiums reduced to 33% and face masks must be worn
- Hotels must keep their occupancy below 80% and 50% in public spaces
Covid-19 Cases Rising In Puerto Vallarta
On Friday, Puerto Vallarta reported that there were 1851 active cases in the city which is the highest number since January. In the last week, cases have rose an additional 17% and the resort city is reporting more active cases than Guadalajara which is the second largest city in Mexico.
Hospitals in Puerto Vallarta are currently operating at 90-100% of capacity in designated Covid-19 beds.
The Governor of Jalisco said that the new measures are required to prevent Covid-19 from “putting us back on the ropes,” reported PVDN. Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico and will be soon preparing for high season which sees millions of American and Canadian tourists descend upon the city over the fall and winter months.
Cancun, Cabo and Mazatlán Experiencing Record High Cases
The trend of rising Covid-19 cases is continuing across tourism hotspots in Mexico. Cancun, Los Cabos and Mazatlán are all experiencing record high cases amid strong tourism surges. The third wave fueled by the contagious delta variant is hitting the destinations hard.
“The delta variant has a strong presence in the Yucatan peninsula, particularly Quintana Roo and in Baja California Sur, where around 80% of new tests are now delta,” said Alejandro Macias, who was in charge of Mexico’s H1N1 epidemic back in 2009.
The number of cases is rising so rapidly in Cancun that the Hard Rock Hotel has designated two floors for tourists who have tested positive at the resort and must quarantine in their rooms. Resorts are now offering free nights to those who test positive and are unable to return home.
Mazatlán which is in the state of Sinaloa has returned to a ‘Red’ status which is the highest level of alert for Covid-19. The beach city has become the most popular destination for domestic tourists this summer bringing in millions of people and causing a rise in cases. The city has now erected sanitation filters at entrances to the city and is using drones to patrol beaches and remind tourists to keep their distance.
Earlier this week, it was reported that both Cancun and Mazatlán would begin requiring proof of vaccination to enter businesses but in Quintana Roo the Governor clarified this would only apply to employees. In Mazatlán, confusion over the proof of vaccination still remains as local news outlets report the measure only applies to locals and not tourists.
Read More:
Mexico Resorts Will Give Tourists 14 Day Free Stays If They Test Positive
Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19
↓ Join the community ↓
The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox
Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
