The newest COVID-19 restrictions and what you need to know

Roadblocks will be set up once again by police every night from 11:30 p.m. until 5 a.m. Photo: Courtesy

Temporary restrictions intended to curve the spread of COVID-19 will be making a comeback starting today.

Mobility restrictions ban all non-emergency motor vehicle traffic between 11:30 p.m and 5 a.m. every day of the week. 

People caught driving during the restrictive hours can face fines as high as 5,000 pesos, have their car impounded, and lose their driver’s license.

In addition to the mobility restrictions, restaurants in Yucatán will be required to reduce their occupancy from 75% to 50% of their maximum capacity.

It has also been announced that all temporary liquor licenses afforded to bars that function as restaurants will be rescinded. 

The re-introduction of these restrictions does not come as a surprise after reports that cases of COVID-19 have surged over the past several weeks, as have hospitalizations

The announcement was made last night by Yucatán Gov. Mauricio Vila Dosal, and the state health Secretary, Mauricio Sauri Vivas.

Earlier: COVID-19 vaccines for Mérida residents in their 40s kicks off tomorrow

Although the restrictions have been described as temporary, there is widespread concern that the measures will be sticking around for the foreseeable future.

Mobility restrictions had only been lifted last month, after more than a year of having been introduced.

The reintroduction of these measures is seen as a major setback for Yucatán’s economic recovery.

It is still unclear if and how these rules will affect scheduled concerts, weddings, church services, outdoor markets, and parades. 

People in Yucatán reacted to the news on social media with resignation but widely noted that it was suspicious that authorities decided to reintroduce the restrictions only days after elections. 

“So now they decide to come back with the restrictions. Well, COVID-19 sure did not stop them from holding huge campaign events but now it turns out driving past 11:30 alone in your car is dangerous. Such hypocrisy,” said Carla N. Canúl on Facebook.

Carlos Rosado van der Gracht
Carlos Rosado van der Gracht
Born in Mérida, Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican/Canadian blogger, photographer and adventure expedition leader. He holds degrees in multimedia, philosophy, and translation from universities in Mexico, Canada and Norway.
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