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Return To Green Zone Will Commence On Monday 21st, February
Cancun will return to the green zone on Mexico’s epidemiological traffic light system on Monday. The announcement was made by Quintana Roo Governor, Carlos Joaquin on Thursday evening.
The news will be welcomed by tourists and locals alike who will see a near-complete return to normality as of Monday morning.
Speaking on the state YouTube channel, Joaquin stated “I am very pleased that Quintana Roo will be at the green light from February 21st until February 27th.”
Wishing congratulations to both the North and South of the state, Joaquin explained that the infection rate had dropped to its lowest level in two years, meaning the move to green was wholly justified. Hospitalization rates are also extremely low for both ends of the state, averaging at only 3%.
Despite being visibly excited at the return to green, the governor did stress that the pandemic is not over. Over 150 new cases were still reported in the region on Thursday, and the virus is still very much in the area. He stressed that despite the bulk of the restrictions now being removed, care has to be taken to ensure that a return to a more restrictive level would not happen.
For visitors, the difference may not be completely discernible. All of the operational capacity limits have been removed on hotels and restaurants meaning it’s business as usual for almost everyone. Tourist actives are simply advised to keep social distancing and general health practices in mind, but no further rules are being enforced in this respect.
According to the Quintana Roo government’s website, every aspect of the economy can now function at 100% capacity. One of the biggest differences that may come into play is the operating times of restaurants and bars. The governor did not give details on the new opening and closing times that will be allowed, but it is hoped they will return to pre-pandemic schedules.
The region has enjoyed a phenomenal year, making full use of Mexico’s relaxed approach to entry restrictions. But the success of Cancun over the winter period saw millions of travelers move through the area at the peak of the Omicron wave. In its wake, infection rates skyrocketed and within weeks the state of Quintana Roo was under a yellow traffic light zone before dropping even further into the orange.
Restrictions and staff shortages due to COVID meant January was an extremely tough month for Cancun, and although tourist numbers didn’t dip as much as would be assumed, most establishments felt the effects.
Many of the hotels were granted special permission to go above and beyond the detonated operational capacity, lessening the effects once more, but the new green level will be a breath of fresh air for every establishment that can now function as normal.
The timing couldn’t be better, as spring break is approaching. Thousands of Americans may make their way to sunnier climes while the kids are off school throughout late February and early March so crowds can be expected in the region. The sheer announcement of the green level may be enough to prompt some nervous travelers to take the jump and book a ticket.
With so many of the world’s major destinations opening up in the near future, it’s important for Cancun to stay as attractive an option as possible. Although experience tells us it’s far too soon to say, the pandemic appears to be approaching its end – at least in the sense that many countries are choosing to move forward with their economic recoveries. Mexico made a brave choice to stay open and it has paid great dividends for the local economy and the tourists who have chosen to travel there.
It is hoped that the worst of Omicron is behind us and that the green level can remain in Cancun for the foreseeable future. Updates on opening and closing times will be reported as they become apparent.
Anyone hoping to travel to Cancun should continue to keep on top of any changes in restrictions both in their own country and in Mexico.
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P Waddington
Friday 18th of February 2022
Mexico love it , apart from custom officers waiting to pounce on anyone carrying 1or2 packets of tobacco over their limit which is lower than other countries just money making exercise.