Weekend mobility restrictions in Progreso are now lifted

Progreso’s boardwalk is a popular attraction with domestic and international tourists, many of whom arrive via cruise ships. Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht

The measure was broadly unpopular across the state and doubts persisted over its effectiveness in curbing new COVID-19 infections. 

But state health secretary Mauricio Sauri Vivas noted that Progreso’s weekend reopening should not be taken as a return to normal. All social distancing protocols and sanitary restrictions will remain in place for the foreseeable future.

No specific reason was given for the reversal in policy, but economic considerations likely played a large role. 

Progreso’s most recent round of closures came as yet another heavy blow to restaurants and shops in the port city that had hoped for a COVID-free summer.

Earlier: Dolphin found beached on the shore of San Crisanto

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, several businesses in and around Progreso’s boardwalk have been forced to close  — some permanently. 

One of the major criticisms of closing Progreso’s beach and boardwalk was that this did not keep people from going to the beach, but instead just funneled beachgoers to other nearby coastal communities.

There is little evidence that outdoor locations such as public parks and beaches are particularly conducive to the spread of COVID-19, especially when compared to indoor venues such as restaurants, malls or movie theaters  — all of which have remained open to the public since winter. 

Yucatán remains in orange on Mexico’s epidemiological traffic light system and is currently reporting hundreds of new daily cases and deaths in the double digits. 

This week, COVID-19 vaccinations began to be offered to people between the ages of 18 and 29 for the first time in Yucatán.

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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