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Cancun Will No Longer Use Mexico’s Covid Warning Light System

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Decision Marks An Important Departure From Pandemic Era Travel

Cancun and the rest of Quintana Roo will no longer operate under Mexico’s epidemiological traffic light system as the program ends. The Mexican government has announced the end of the COVID-era initiative.

busy playa del carmen

As the world begins to emerge from two years of the COVID pandemic, restrictions, bans, and other regulations are being dropped in countries everywhere. Mexico has followed suit after announcing the abolishment of its traffic-light system.

For the last two years, the Mexican government has been using its epidemiological traffic light system to designate the COVID risk in each state and apply restrictions accordingly. The higher the infection rate and risk the darker the color. A red light on the scale came with extremely restrictive rules regarding operational capacity and other protocols, while a green light allied a state to function almost as normal.

airport pickup aresa cancun

Despite Mexico’s reputation as being one of the only “open” countries in the world, its system did mean that many of its main tourist spots were effectively locked down at times, severally impacting its tourist revenue.

Cancun and the state of Quintana Roo have found themselves under every color at some point over the past two years but have enjoyed a long stretch in the green designation since mid-February. The Governor, Carlos Joaquin, offered weekly updates on a Thursday evening where he would announce the level for the forthcoming week.

empty beach in quintana roo

But that is all over now, and the state can consider itself in the green zone permanently as the country moves into the endemic stage of the COVID crisis. Hotels are running at full operational capacity, restaurants have their restrictions removed, and bars and clubs are now able to function for extended hours.

The transition from pandemic to endemic is officially set to take place on May 1st, with the government sensibly waiting for the busy Easter period to finish before making any further changes. The last major tourist surge in Cancun plunged the state into an orange level thanks to the Omicron variant’s fast spread. Millions of tourists poured into the region from all corners of the globe, making it a breeding ground for the virus.

family walking with masks on

Currently, masks are still required in indoor public spaces, but outdoor usage is optional for everyone. The governor has suggested that he may remove that rule in the coming weeks if COVID levels remain low, but it remains for now.

It should be noted that the states are at liberty to enforce their own rules, so if Quintana Roo was to see a drastic increase in infections, rules could be introduced to help fight the spread. Its position as a major tourist leaves it in a tough position, as it risks more exposure to new variants and a fast spread that can quickly hamper the workforce.

tourists next to covid warning

The state is currently struggling with a depleted number of trained workers. Many left the area during Covid to return to their home towns or seek other work and have not returned with the tourists. Several campaigns are underway to lure workers back to the coast to help meet the rising demand.

Plenty of other Caribbean destinations are dropping their own restrictions, so the departure of the traffic light system will be welcomed by all. Quintana Roo’s advantage in the tourist industry depletes with every other country that loosens its own rules, so ensuring that they remain wide open will be a priority in the coming months.

vendor selling flags with mask on

The current week is the last week that the state will receive a designation, and as of Monday, the level will be an indefinite green.

vendor sells hat on street

Those traveling to Cancun should still ensure they check on any restrictions in their home country that could impact their return. The US, for example, still requires a test before arriving in the country. Many hotels offer services to help visitors with this. 

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Steph MX

Sunday 1st of May 2022

I would encourage you to read the official traffic light system from the ministry of health. They made the rules, although the information you are publishing is incorrect. Green means it is only mandatory on public transportation. It is only recommended in public spaces. PLEASE post the truth.

Trevor Kucheran

Monday 2nd of May 2022

Thank you for your feedback but each state and city in Mexico has the choice to still enforce the use of masks. Governor Carlos Joaquín has not removed the indoor mask mandate at this time.