Surging infection rates in Yucatán fuel rumors on social media
A dramatic increase in the amount of new COVID-19 infections in Yucatán seed rumors and uncertainty.
Authorities are warning the public to ignore unofficial communique’s making the rounds on social media.
Rumors abound regarding a return to red for Yucatán on Mexico’s epidemiological traffic light system, as do false reports stating that the state’s hospital occupancy stands at 98%.
Yucatán’s state government has indeed issued a press release acknowledging a rise in public sector occupancy, but the reported numbers are 51% for Mérida and an average of 19% for all other communities.
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There has also been much speculation regarding the return of an alcohol ban in Yucatán, which has, in turn, fueled increased sales across the state.
Cases of beer in packages of 12 or more have become scarce in many parts of Mérida and even show up as out of stock on the websites and apps of several grocery stores.
Business owners have also expressed concern that the recent reinstatement of mobility restrictions could be a prelude to even more drastic measures.
Food and beverage industry representatives say that many businesses won’t be able to withstand any more closures and that if they are forced to close again, this time it will be for good.
Over the last few weeks, the average amount of new cases of the virus has risen to 203 a day, beyond even the highest weekly average recorded over the summer of last year.
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican expedition/Canadian photographer and adventure leader. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds multimedia, philosophy, and translation degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada and Norway.