The spike in coronavirus cases in Mexico continues, and it comes at a crucial time of the year for tourism in Mexico and such emblematic places as Acapulco, Guerrero, Cancun, and Quintana Roo. The New Year’s Eve in Acapulco is a fantastic event, famous for having an impressive display of pyrotechnics, but this year this won’t be held due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Last week, the local media published the agreement in which fireworks and pyrotechnics of all forms are canceled, as previously announced by the governor, Héctor Astudillo Flores.
The document was shared through social media detailing that this suspension is specified for December 2020 and 2021 New Year’s holidays across all tourist destinations in Guerrero.
Likewise, it is reported that the sale and use of sky lanterns is also prohibited, since these can cause fires in palapas (open-sided dwelling with a roof made of dried leaves) and other flammable areas, as has happened in previous years.
In the third article of this new ruling, they warn that businesses such as hotels, restaurants, timeshares, beach clubs, yachts, nightclubs and event rooms will be closed for up to 72 hours if they violate this regulation.
Meanwhile, those who do not comply with the ruling could be arrested for up to 36 hours, in addition to other fines from the police and government of each municipality.
Astudillo explained that the measure is meant to contain the coronavirus spread. He said that the decision was based on a survey on the people of Guerrero, in which 68% were in favor of canceling the fireworks show.
For its part, the Hotels and Tourist Companies Association of Acapulco expressed its support for the decision to cancel this year’s pyrotechnics gala, to which governor Astudillo responded that the budget for the December 2021 pyrotechnics will be secured.
Carlos Joaquín González, Governor of Quintana Roo, established the mandatory use of face masks and extended the measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 until January 15, 2021.
Among the established measures are:
- The mandatory use of a mask on the street and in public transport.
- People over 60 or with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart or lung disease, immunosuppressed or immunocompromised, including pregnant women, must stay at home.
- All social events, such as meetings or gatherings for the holiday season, are canceled.
- Meetings of up to 10 people should be held outdoors and attendees must wear face masks for as long as possible.
- Vehicles may travel with a maximum of four passengers on board, motorcycles with one person, and public transport vehicles with a maximum of three passengers including the driver.
The government also ordered health checkpoints to be stationed at the entrance and exit of the municipalities to verify that the measures are being met.