The Cozumel Sun News January 18, 2018

This week in Cozumel News Briefs and Updates, Cozumel Reefs are Healthy, The Cozumel Vehicle Ferry Monopoly to End Soon,Cozumel Airport Arrivals Increased in 2017,  Cozumel Get your Influenza Vaccination, Influenza Symptoms, Cozumel Carnaval 2018 News, Prepayment Discounts continue in Cozumel for Property Taxes and Trash Services, and Aurita’s Cozumel Corner with more!

Cozumel News Briefs and Updates

Cozumel Reefs Are Healthy

According to studies performed on eight Cozumel reefs in the southern part of the island, Cozumel has the best preserved reefs, Diana Tamara Martinez González in charge of the Department of Supervision and Surveillance of the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (Conanp), said that the reefs of this destination have a better health compared to others of the Mesoamerican and Caribbean reef system.  Biological monitoring is carried out every year with the support of Lorenzo Alvarez Filip, researcher of the Institute of Marine Sciences and limnology of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM.)

Cozumel Vehicle Ferry Monopoly to End Soon

 

On January 11, as anticipated, a new vehicle ferry arrived in  Cozumel. The vessel was observed carrying out various tests on the heavy cargo dock.  No information has been released on the date that this vessel will enter into operations. It is expected that in the coming weeks it will begin to provide its maritime connection service between Cozumel-Calica and Calica-Cozumel. Citizens from Cozumel welcomed the arrival of the “new” vehicle ferry that is expected to break the current monopoly and in doing so provide more affordable rates for crossing to the mainland by car.

Cozumel Airport Arrivals Increased in 2017

The International Airport of Cozumel (AIC) reported that 2017 was a successful year with an increased number of tourist arrivals. The statistics reported 541, 598 passengers arrived by air in 2017, compared to 538, 092 visitors of Mexican and foreign nationality.

Cozumel, Get Your Influenza Vaccination!

Influenza (also known as “flu”) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

Fever* or feeling feverish/chill

Cough

Sore throat

Runny or stuffy nose

Muscle or body aches

Headaches

Fatigue (tiredness)

Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

* It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

Flu Complications

Most people who get influenza will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some people will develop complications (such as pneumonia) as a result of the flu, some of which can be life-threatening and result in death.

Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus and ear infections are examples of complications from flu. The flu can make chronic health problems worse. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have the flu, and people with chronic congestive heart failure may experience worsening of this condition that is triggered by the flu.

People at High Risk from Flu

Anyone can get the flu (even healthy people), and serious problems related to the flu can happen at any age, but some people are at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick. This includes people 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, and young children.

What are the emergency warning signs of flu sickness?

In children

Fast breathing or trouble breathing

Bluish skin color

Not drinking enough fluids

Not waking up or not interacting

Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Fever with a rash

In adults

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

Sudden dizziness

Confusion

Severe or persistent vomiting

Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In addition to the signs above, get medical help right away for any infant who has any of these signs:

Being unable to eat

Has trouble breathing

Has no tears when crying

Significantly fewer wet diapers than normal

Influenza is widespread in the United States with many deaths reported as a result of the epidemic. The large number American Tourists via cruise ships and air will more than likely guarantee that in a matter of time influenza will be in Cozumel. GET YOUR FLU shot at your Doctor’s office or get it for FREE at Cozumel General Hospital on 11th. IMSS Hospital also had the shots but I am not certain if they still do or the schedule. In past years the vaccinations have been offered free of charge at different locations throughout the island.

 

Aurita’s Cozumel Corner

It is cold outside! Not much is happening in town as the cold weather continues to pound us. The small boat operations are really taking a beating with the port closed to small crafts due to the strong winds.  Our luck has remained the same in our family, in addition to Bartolo’s injury and my health, I developed an abscessed tooth!  Ofcourse, it happens when the regular Dentist is out of town and others have no openings for days! Well, there is always a silver lining, as I discovered another wonderful Dentist for my readers to use. His name is Emael Hemerson Mendoza Toxqui. Clinica Dental Mendoza is located at 15 Avenida Entre 3 Sur & A.R.S. Centro. 987-107-9516. He has an extremely gentle touch, seven years experience and modern equipment. A fellow friend of his performed the root canal, I did not get her business card but understand that she is in the process of opening her own practice in Cozumel. Like him, she has an excellent touch, no pain, attentive and professional.

Update on my son Bartolo Martinez Martinez: His wrist is mending well; the rods were removed this week.  A second operation had to be performed on his elbow which resulted in two pins that will hold the elbow in place for another month. This second operation was performed by the same specialist and anesthesiologist at Cozumel Centro de Salud (Cozumel General Hospital). He was in this hospital for FOUR days, one procedure, one operation, and the total cost with a discount was a little over $3,000 pesos. Compare this to ONE day in San Miguel Hospital a charge of $29,000 pesos, additional charge for Doctors of $26,850.

Cozumel Medical Insurance

Get Medical Insurance! Contrary to what was reported in the town hall meeting by Cozumel Hospital representatives, the private hospitals will NOT treat you until they see the money in cash or in form of a credit card. Neither the private NOR public hospitals will release you until they get paid.

I had firsthand experience at San Miguel Clinic with my son. They would not operate without the $29,000 payment up front. There was no hardship discount. I gratefully was given a grace period of seven days to pay the $26,850 balance due to the Doctor. I am certain it is because the doctor knew me; I do not think this would have been extended to my son alone.

While he was in Cozumel General Hospital we met a young man who was injured in a traffic accident. Instead of contacting the police, he took the guilty party’s word that he would pay for all of the medical expenses. The young man, ready to be discharged, could not reach this person for two days as of the time that my son was discharged. Each day that he is there, the bill increases, and there is no discharge without payment in full.

Reminder: There is nothing like DAN Insurance for you water enthusiasts!

Update on My Operation: My surgery, rescheduled for January 18, has once again been canceled due to emergencies at IMSS. The new date is February 8^th.

Sun Garage Sale: Now collecting for after the Holidays Distribution and Sales: Please keep donating the items you do not need, drop it off anytime day or night, or call and we will pick up!

Our Neighborhood Store: Do you need Office Supplies, copies, printing, laminating, or internet access? Give Papeleria Mama Lilly your business!  Store proceeds go towards helping a local family become self-sufficient.  Located with The Cozumel Sun Offices in my home at 35 Avenida Sur Entre Calles 17 & 15 Bis Colonia Independencia.

In addition to gift bags, wrapping paper, novelty items and gifts, we now carry AVON and MARY KAY Products! Catalogs are in our store! Stop by browse the catalogs and order your favorite Avon or Mary Kay Products!

Again, our home houses The Cozumel Sun Office, Papeleria Mama Lilly Store, our Collection Center and Garage Sales. We are located at #1081 35 Avenida Sur between Calles 17 and 15 Bis. Colonia Independencia.  Anyone outside of the island can donate to any of our projects through The Cozumel Sun via PayPal.

Cozumel Carnaval 2018

Celebrate the 144th edition of the island of Cozumel’s Carnival! Cozumel “Carnaval” is recognized as one of the most important carnivals in Mexico and the Caribbean.  Cozumel Carnaval 2018 invites you to enjoy music, dance and fun in one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

Cozumel Pre-Carnaval 2018 January 13 to February 6.

Cozumel Carnaval 2018 February 7 To February 13

The parade days are Saturday, Sunday, and the big one on Tuesday (February 10, 11, and 13).

If you wish to own your very own Carnaval 2018 poster, they are available at Cozumel’s tourism office located on the second floor of the Plaza del Sol Building. That is the big yellow building in Benito Juarez Park, (Town Square across from the passenger Pier). Tables are now on sales for all the events.

 

Cozumel 2018 Early Payment Tax Discounts

2018 Predial Taxes (Property Taxes)

15% Discount if paid January 2nd – January 31st

10% Discount if Paid February 1st through the 28th

Contributors (owners) that are disabled, retired, pensioned, or hold INSEN or INAPAM credentials (Senior Card) a qualify for a 50% discount. Some restrictions and limits apply.

City of Cozumel 2018 Basura (Trash) Fees

The Discount for residential and commercial trash pickup charges for 2018 is 10% if paid between December 2017 and February 28, 2018.

Allocate your Business Taxes to a Cozumel Youth Athlete! The donation is tax deductible for businesses! If you have a business, you may deduct 100% of the donation from your city of Cozumel taxes. Here is a description of Cozumel’s Adopt a Champion Program. For more information on City of Cozumel Volunteer Opportunities:  https://www.thecozumelsun.com/volunteer-.