Coronavirus News – UPDATES For The Riviera Maya & Cancun

Sarah Barlow UPDATED ON December 30, 2022

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covid 19 playa del carmen , riviera maya, cancun

We update this blog weekly with the latest stats (every Monday) but feel free to click the hyperlinks for yourself to see the most up-to-date statistics.

Stay up-to-date with Coronavirus News – UPDATES For The Riviera Maya & Cancun here!

It’s 2023 people, and hopefully, we are closer to the end of the Corona nightmare than we were last year.

That alone is enough to smile about.

So, how can you stay safe and enjoy a worry-free vacation? Fear not – it IS possible, and we’re here to help! 🙂

Find out everything you need to know and how to steal a great deal with PlayaDelCarmen.Com.

Coronavirus News – Live Updates:

Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in The Riviera Maya & Cancun
Airlines & Flights
Tours
Hotels
To Wedding, Or Not to Wedding?
Insurance
Visa Procedures Come to A Halt
What to Do If You’re Traveling Now
How to Stay Safe
Additional Resources You May Find Useful

1. Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in Riviera Maya & Cancun

As of March 4th 2021, there are 20, 415 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in the Riviera Maya & Cancun region.

Confirmed Cases: 20, 415| Negative Tests: 21, 703| Recovered: 17, 086

CHECK THE LATEST STATS HERE

These statistics are much lower than other parts of the world but as a tourist hotspot, we continue to stay vigilant and follow the same rules/guidelines as the rest of the world on how to stay safe.

March 2021 UPDATES:

.. Travel is picking up!

Hotels, attractions, and private tours are open with new health & safety protocols in place.

One of our most recent comments on this blog >>>

However, they are operating at around 50% -60% capacity.

For more useful information, read our related blogs here:

Call us on our toll-free number at 888-537-9797

During the full lockdown all attractions, hotels, tours, transport, etc had a lot of time to prepare for reopening.

The show must go on!

However, on a basic level, general rules include:

2m social distancing is always in place
masks are to be worn in all public spaces
increased hand-washing and implementation of hand-sanitiser stations everywhere

Want to book a vacation and need help finding a resort? Our team of travel agents are based in Playa. Reach out to us with your questions at customercare@playadelcarmen.com

We are here to help. 🙂

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The First Case of Coronavirus in Quintana Roo

The news of the 4 cases in the Yucatan & Quintanaroo began on March 14th when The Secretary of Health for Yucatan, Mauricio Sauri Vivas, confirmed the first case at a press conference in the Government Palace.

Sauri Viva said the first carrier of the virus is a 57-year-old female who had travelled to Europe.

The woman reportedly travelled to Madrid and began to exhibit symptoms upon her return.

No details have been provided on the second patient yet, we only know that the case was detected in the municipality of Benito Juárez, a population made up mainly by residents in Cancun.

Through social media, state governor Carlos Joaquín González said “the patient is isolated and under correct treatment. We are vigilant and the situation is under control.”

Here’s the latest from the local state government:

“The Mexican Caribbean continues to receive tourists and remains vigilant with rigorous prevention measures of COVID ‐ 19″
“Given the low risk of contagion, the CDC has not recommended changing travel plans to the Mexican Caribbean due to COVID-19, unless it is part of the risk groups in which case any non-essential travel should be avoided.”
“There is no travel ban or restrictions for those who return from Quintana Roo to the United States of America, Canada, and almost any other country, as long as they have not visited any of the countries listed Level 3 – Health Notice for Travelers, level 3 by the CDC, in a period of 14 days.”
“International passengers arriving at the Cancun International Airport (CUN) must go through a thermal scanner to measure body temperature.”

You can keep track of COVID-19 cases around the world in real-time HERE.

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2. Airlines & Rescheduling Flights

Updated Dec 2020

Slowly but surely more and more flights are beginning to take to the sky.

Although sitting in a small space with other people for a few hours during these uncertain times may feel risky the chances of you actually catching COVID on a plane are relatively slim.

…We’re talking surgical grade air filters and being gifted full PPE kits as soon as you step foot on the plane.

Some countries around the world do require a negative coronavirus test 72 hours before entry, however, this is currently not the case for Mexico (this could change).

That said, I think it’s wise and I advise all travelers to get one before any travel because:

You don’t want to infect others
You don’t want the hassle of getting sick in another country
It makes it safer for everyone

I’ve gathered a list of all the major airlines flying into Cancun and provided links to their site and videos that detail the changes they have made in response to COVID-19, I hope you find them useful.

AIR CANADA:

New government-imposed entry requirements to the United States and other countries

https://www.aircanada.com/…/new-entry-requirements.html

Customers traveling to/from the People’s Republic of China and other countries https://www.aircanada.com/…/trav…/2020/china-travel.html

AIR FRANCE:

https://www.airfrance.us/…/news-air-traffic-air-france…

Video of disinfecting measureshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRqjFzfh3VE

AIR NEW ZEALAND:

https://www.airnewzealand.com/travel-alerts

AIR TAHITI:

https://www.airtahiti.com/coronavirus-information-travelers

AIR TAHITI NUI:

https://www.airtahitinui.com/…/covid-19-flight-and-re…

ALASKA AIRLINES:

https://www.alaskaair.com/…/advisories/travel-advisories

Video of disinfecting measureshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCc0JWfBUDg

ALITALIA

http://alitaliaagent.com/travel-exceptions.cfm

BRITISH AIRWAYS

https://www.britishairways.com/travel/flightops/public/en_us

CATHAY PACIFIC

https://www.cathaypacific.com/…/information-and-updates…

EMIRATES

https://www.emirates.com/ph/english/help/travel-updates/

Video of disinfecting measureshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKxfL6t93c8

FIJI AIRWAYS:

https://www.fijiairways.com/…/flight…/travel-alerts/…

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES:

https://www.hawaiianairlines.com/coronavirus

Video of disinfecting measureshttps://www.youtube.com/watch…

JAPAN AIRLINES:

https://www.jal.co.jp/cms/other/en/weather_info_int.html

JETBLUE:

https://www.jetblue.com/travel-alerts

KLM:

https://www.klm.com/…/up_to_date/flight_update/index.htm

LUFTHANSA:

https://www.lufthansa.com/xx/en/flight-information.html

QANTAS:

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-info/travel-updates.html

SINGAPORE AIRLINES:

https://www.singaporeair.com/…/media…/newsalert-listing/

SWISS:

https://www.swiss.com/us/en

THAI AIRWAYS:

https://www.thaiairways.com/…/ticketing-procedures…

Video of disinfecting measureshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAAzPS80yDQ

VIRGIN ATLANTIC:

https://flywith.virginatlantic.com/gb/en/news.html

VUELING AIRLINES:

http://vuelingnews.com/?lang=en

WESTJET:

https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/travel-info/advisories

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3. Your Tour Options

Updated Dec 2020

90% of the tours are operating.

Our operators have adapted to a new way of working to ensure the safety of both guests and guides.

I will be writing a blog shortly on the tours I believe to have the best COVID safety standards in place so that you can choose wisely and enjoy a worry-free vacation – stay tuned for that.

I will link the COVID-19 friendly tours blog here when it’s complete.

As a general rule at this stage, all tours are operating at cut capacity so the need to book in advance is greater than ever before to secure your spot.

In most cases, masks are required to be worn for all tours.

Private tours just for you and your bubble (such as private yacht charters, etc) are at the top of our recommendation lists in order to keep you safe as much as possible (more on that soon).

Tours with the Best COVID Safety Standards

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4. Hotel Bookings

Updated December 2020

I’ve created a blog that details what I consider to be the resorts with the best covid safety standards.

Although I will say that since writing all resorts I know have really up the ante, resorts are going above and beyond to help travellers enjoy worry-free vacations.

At the start of the pandemic, most hotels and resorts implemented a “Move the Date, Keep the Rate” protocol for existing bookings.

This only applies if you made your booking before we went into worldwide lockdown.

It meant:

Guests may change the date of their current booking for a future travel date between now and December 22, 2020.
Additionally, guests have the option to change to another property within the same brand, in a different destination with no additional fee or cancellation penalty. Travel to also be completed by December 22, 2020. However, if the rate of the new resort is lower, the client would be entitled to a refund.
Alternatively, if the client wishes to change brands, they would be responsible for any price increases.

Please note:

If you booked your hotel or resort through PlayaDelCarmen.Com please reach out ASAP at customercare@playadelcarmen.com so we can handle it and take care of your reservation on your behalf.
If you booked with the hotel directly, please contact them directly.

However, as we’re now in December and traveling to a new region when you are aware of the risks is completely your choice.

You will not be entitled to move the date and keep the rate or to a refund UNLESS the resorts are forced to close due to government restrictions (not likely).

Procedures & Protocol

Adhere to Guidelines

Adherence to strict international guidelines and protocols related to the prevention, detection, and treatment of many diseases.

Cristal Certification for International Standards

One of the industry’s highest-level certifications, verifying that each resort has best-in-class processes in place for quality and safety. Recently opened properties adhere to the same high standards and implement the same protocols as they are going through certification.

Reinforcement of additional precautionary measures

Review of all sanitation protocols with staff to ensure that activities, such as frequent cleaning of common areas, are in place.

On-site physicians and, as needed, hotel staff assistance with transfers to local clinics or hospitals.

If you are undecided on your plans many resorts such as AM Resorts, are even offering enhanced vacation experiences to encourage you to keep your plans. It applies to existing reservations only but includes things such as:

Complimentary room upgrade based upon availability at check-in
Additional $200 in resort coupons for a total of $400
$50 spa credit

If interested please reach out to us ASAP to discuss the current offerings – there’s never been a better time to steal a great deal!

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5. To Wedding, Or Not To Wedding?

Destination Weddings are our specialty here at PlayaDelCarmen.Com.

All existing bookings at the start or during the pandemic have been taken care of but you may still be wondering whether you should tie the knot in Mexico after all?

Take a deep breath. It’s going to be okay. We’re here to help and make this work for you.

Whatever your decision we want you to know that nobody is doing more right now than the hotels and travel industry. It’s necessary to survive.

If you look at the stats the situation is much better compared to that in the USA, or the UK for example.

With the right contingency plans, good hygiene, and a world-class hotel you can still have the wedding of your dreams in Mexico.

If you are part of a group who are supposed to be traveling in the future for a wedding here in Mexico, check with the bride and groom first to see what their plans are.

They should be your lead counsel on this.

If you are a bride or groom that booked your wedding with us please reach out if you have any questions whatsoever we are here to help and organize.

Read “tips for planning your wedding during COVID” here.

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6. The Insurance Issue

Of course, we always encourage travel insurance in any case.

So, please, please check with your provider to see what you are covered for. Read the small print.

Travel insurance is intended to cover losses arising from sudden and unforeseeable circumstances.

Effective March 12, 2020, travel insurance policies will not cover cancellations due to the COVID-19 (new coronavirus) pandemic because it is a known issue.

However, purchasing travel insurance (including emergency medical, cancellation, and interruption) still provides valuable protection for other unknown risks. So, there’s that.

If you do wish to cancel your trip and purchased insurance before March 12, 2020 and would like to cancel in the hopes of a refund most insurance companies require at least a few hour’s notices, but the sooner the better.

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7. Visa Procedures Come to A Halt

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico has suspended processing visas, citing COVID-19 concerns.

This move seemingly threatens the H-2A program just as the main planting season approaches.

“The situation is very fluid. If one takes the statement literally, it would suggest that non-immigrant visa processing will stop. However, the notice speaks to ‘routine’ processing and allows room for ’emergency’ processing,” says Craig Reggelbrugge, Senior Vice President with AmericanHort, a national association for the ornamental industry.

USDA has not yet made a statement about the status of the guestworker program.

However, the State Department sent out a notice to H-2A program participants, informing them they continue to process H2 cases (H-2A and H-2B). It will prioritize returning guest workers.

It is unclear how the process for clearing visas will happen and the level of delays that might create.

Here is the full notification:

Notice to H-2 Petitioners:  In response to the global pandemic COVID-19, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and all U.S. consulates in Mexico will cancel routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services starting March 18, 2020.  This includes both visa interviews at the consulate as well as processing at the Centros de Atención a Solicitantes (CAS). 

We intend to continue processing H2 cases but will need to modify our procedures in order to facilitate the social distancing recommended by health authorities. The U.S. Consulate General Monterrey will prioritize the processing of returning H-2 workers who are eligible for an interview waiver. Because limited interview appointments will be available, we may cancel some first-time applicant appointments that have already been scheduled. If circumstances change, we will contact you with additional information.

As a reminder, “returning H-2 workers (IW)” are applicants whose H-2A or H-2B visas have expired in the last twelve months and are now applying for the same visa classification and did not require a waiver the last time they applied for a visa.  Please do not make IW appointments for first-time applicants or applicants who require an interview every year due to law enforcement or immigration violations.  First-time applications will not be processed if they are submitted as returning applicants.

This is a developing story and we will provide updates as it progresses.

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8. What to Do If You’re Traveling Now

Updated Dec 2020

As COVID-19 has been an issue for almost a year now… travellers are here travelling at their own free risk.

We are here to help guide you, keep you safe, and offer you the best possible deals and advice available.

Please be aware that if the situation does increase and change quickly airport closures are a possibility, and quarantine periods when you return are likely.

If you can afford to stay in the same place for the next few months and work remotely, then you are one of the lucky ones.

But for those of you on a tight budget, with work and family commitments back home please do keep a close eye on the situation as it unfolds and act accordingly.

Please check with your nation’s government and follow their advice.

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9. How to Stay Safe

Updated Dec 2020

While the vaccine is on the way it’s not ready yet… The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person, between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

It spreads through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, these droplets can then land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Here are the steps you can take to protect yourself from the World Health Organization:

Clean your hands often

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Use a hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available. Your sanitizer should contain at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

How you can take to protect others:

Stay home if you’re sick

Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.

Cover coughs and sneezes

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
Throw used tissues in the trash.
Wash your hands immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Wear a facemask if you are sick!

If you are sick:

You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.

If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.

If you are NOT sick:

You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

Clean and disinfect

Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

To disinfect:

Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.

Options include:

Diluting your household bleach.

To make a bleach solution, mix:
5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
OR
4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date.
Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

Alcohol solutions.

Ensure the solution has at least 70% alcohol.

Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants.

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10. Additional Resources You May Find Useful

Book a Vacation!

As we come to the final chapter of 2020 (Hallejuah)… I think it’s safe to say we all need a vacation to recover from the stress of it all.

There’s never been a BETTER TIME to get deals on travel!

We have not seen discounts like these in 20 years… and we know they won’t last forever.

If it’s time to book your family vacation, group getaway, golf vacation, or couples retreat you know what to do…

Call our travel agents free of charge at 888-537-9797 and explore your options.

If you have any questions or concerns please leave them in the comments section below and we will get back to you ASAP.

Wishing you all health and happiness. Remember this storm too shall pass.

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Author

Sarah Barlow

Sarah is a travel enthusiast from England, who swapped the rainy clouds of Manchester for beachside bliss in Playa Del Carmen. If she’s not salsa dancing by the shore, you’ll find her soaking up the sun in one of her favorite rooftop party pools. Sarah is the content and social media manager here at PlayaDelCarmen.com