As of June 2020, the government of Mexico has opened air travel for vacations and other purposes to the country despite the fact that COVID-19 is still in control in the world. Airlines are bringing tourists and travelers for other purposes, such as business, to a variety of destinations, particularly to resorts like Huatulco, the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Cancun and the rest. What is the reasoning? Is it prudent for non-Mexicans to visit the country now?

While we don’t know everything about the coronavirus, we can safely assume that people with COVID-19 can be asymptomatic (ie, normal temperature) and still spread it. For present purposes, let’s talk about Americans who want to get away to their favorite Mexican destination during the summer of 2020. It is suggested that one of the reasons the US government allows international travel is that, when you return, you can still put in quarantine its citizens and residents. Also, if an American becomes ill while abroad, there will be no burden on the US healthcare system because the person will receive treatment abroad and will not be allowed on a plane. So it’s okay for the US government to take this stance.

For the Mexican government, it helps tax revenue if Americans now vacation at resorts. And yes, it also helps residents like hotel maids and restaurant and bar staff who would otherwise have no job or income. But what about the traveler who has the virus and arrives at the resort? He or she can infect the locals!

Our Mexican healthcare system is already overloaded dealing with its own citizens and legal residents. As of mid-June, half of the 32 states are still categorized with a red or orange light. We don’t need Americans (or visitors from other countries) exacerbating the situation. either infecting Mexicans or becoming symptomatic themselves. Also, as a general rule, Mexicans, particularly villagers, are not as conscientious as urban Americans about wearing masks and social distancing. Therefore, visitors are more likely to become infected with COVID-19 by visiting a Mexican than by staying at home. Do you want to be stuck in a Mexican health clinic or hospital? Is it fair to the locals and their healthcare system?

A newspaper in Oaxaca, the state in which the resort is located, reported on June 19, 2020 that the death toll from COVID-19 was then 420. Seventy-seven of those deaths had occurred in the previous four days! ! He also reported that on the popular street in the center of the state capital, Las Casas, the stalls had returned to the roadside after a brief pause, without practicing social distancing. As for masks, perhaps half of the passers-by comply with that recommendation.

You may think that lying on a beach will be very different and that it is easy to do social distancing. But think about the woman who approaches you with trinkets and tacos. Do you want to infect her? Do you want me to infect you?

To vacation, wait for Mexico to give the green light. For business purposes, unless the trip is urgent and needs to be done now, please wait similarly. It is the right thing for you and for the people of Mexico.