Quintana Roo has been living under stage 1 of the ‘low-risk’ green traffic light system for a few weeks now. But case levels have continued to drop, meaning that from Monday 29 November, stage 2 of the green epidemiological system will come into force. Tourists can expect a busy holiday season as the most drastic change will be capacity levels increased to 100%.
This is great news for visitors to the region, who will find fewer restrictions on their vacation, as well as for the region itself which relies so heavily on its tourist income.
But what does the change to the traffic light system mean in real terms? Here, we’ll run through what you can expect if you’re planning to visit the Mexican Caribbean over the peak holiday season.
Stage 2 Of The Green Traffic Light System
Stage 2 is a less restrictive set of conditions than stage 1, meaning venues can open with higher capacity levels. In fact, almost all services will be able to operate at full capacity. This includes:
- Banks, supermarkets, and medical centers can open at full capacity – this remains the same as in stage 1.
- Hotels – open at 100% capacity, increasing from 80% in stage 1.
- Restaurants – can operate at 100% capacity, increasing from 80%.
- Beaches and historical sites – can increase to 100% capacity, up from 80%.
- Public Transport – operating at 100% capacity, up from 80%.
- Bars and nightclubs – this sees the biggest change, with capacity raised to 100%, up from only 50% in stage 1.
Which Restrictions Will Remain In Place?
Although capacity restrictions are all but being removed, everyone who enters Quintana Roo will still be subject to the following Covid prevention measures:
- Social distancing – according to Mexican rules, a minimum of 1.5 meters should be maintained between people who do not live in the same household.
- Mask wearing is still required.
- Enhanced cleaning protocols in venues will still be in place.
Governor of Quintana Roo, Carlos Joaquin, took to Twitter to share news of the new changes to restrictions, reminding followers of the importance of following the remaining measures, saying: “#QuintanaRoo changes to green stage 2 from November 29 to December 5. This means greater responsibility: get vaccinated, reinforce your health habits. The pandemic is not over! Let’s avoid a new wave of infections.”
It appears that in this part of Mexico, the message to get vaccinated has been taken seriously, as Quintana Roo has one of the highest vaccination rates in the entire country, with a reported 97% of eligible residents having at least one dose so far.
Which Cities Are Included In Green Stage 2 Status?
With North and South Quintana Roo seeing consistent reductions in Covid case numbers, both regions are being redesignated as Green Stage 2. The whole state will be living under the less restrictive conditions outlined above, meaning the following towns and cities will all move to Stage 2 for at least the week of Monday November 29 to Sunday December 5:
- Cancun
- Playa del Carmen
- Tulum
- Cozumel
- Isla Mujeres
What Impact Will This Have On Your Vacation?
Although the pandemic continues, with capacity restrictions mostly removed Mexican Caribbean destinations will once again be the bustling places we so love. Hotels and restaurants will be full, creating a lively atmosphere. Bars and nightclubs, which have been subject to the most stringent and long-lasting restrictions, will be able to operate at full capacity, undoubtedly making for some wild nights out!
This all comes at the best possible time, as the Christmas and New Year’s holidays are traditionally some of the busiest days of the year in Cancun and other Mexican Caribbean tourist destinations. And after a tough 2020 winter season, news of easing restrictions for the 2021 holiday season will bring a renewed sense of confidence, as well as hope that we may finally be over the worst.
Plan Your Next Cancun Vacation:
Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!
Choose From Thousands of Cancun and Riviera Maya Hotels, Resorts and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
↓ Join the community ↓
The Cancun Sun Community FB group has all the latest travel news, conversations and tourism Q&A’s for the Mexican Caribbean
Subscribe to our Latest Posts
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Cancun Sun’s latest breaking news affecting travelers, straight to your inbox.