Cozumel COVID-19 News Update

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Cozumel COVID-19 Update as of March 30^th, 2020.

Cozumel Sun News Update on Suspected COVID-19 Cases, Curfew, Cozumel Island Closures, Food Distribution, Transportation Services, New Taxi Hours of Service, and more.

Cozumel Municipal President Pedro Joaquin Delbouis held a press conference this morning and answered questions on radio SOL 89.9 fm. This is official information, once again, I only report confirmed information. (My opinion or input is in parenthesis), or in Aurita´s Cozumel Corner.

Cozumel Suspected COVID-19 Cases:

There have been four people tested for the COVID-19 Virus. Three of the four where tested at the IMSS hospital.

There has been ONE confirmed case of COVID-19 in Cozumel. That person is recovering and in isolation at home. The person was tested, and the sample was sent to Chetumal. Chetumal gives a result within 24 hours. Costamed confirmed this was their patient in a video conference this afternoon.

(IMSS Hospital as well as ISSSTE Hospital are federally ran hospitals serving the working people of Cozumel. They carry insurance at one or the other of these hospitals where they receive medical care and medications free of charge. Their process for everything is slow).

The three people tested at IMSS hospital are still pending results because their samples are sent to Cancun, then Merida, then finally to the Laboratory located in Mexico City. (I can only imagine the backlog there.)

Of the three people pending test results, two died over the weekend, their death ruled as Atypical Pneumonia for the time being. The President mentioned a taxi driver that is recuperating, but I am not clear if he is the third patient still alive at IMSS or the patient recovering that was tested at Costamed.

Cozumel COVID-19 Curfew:

All levels of government are begging the people to stay home. While the number of people out and about in Cozumel lessens daily, some people are still in violation.

Some Police vehicles are playing a recording reminding people to stay off the streets as they cruise the neighborhoods.

There have been reports of church gatherings, family get-togethers, multiple family member cruising around town in cars or on foot, groups at the sports centers, more than one member at the grocery stores and people not obeying the distancing.

Municipal President Joaquin begged repeatedly throughout both the press conference and the radio interview for people to stay off the streets.

If violations continued the extreme measure of extending Curfew hours might have to be implemented. The only thing that can save lives in Cozumel is prevention. Cozumel only has 100 hospital beds, 200 doctors, and thirty ventilators in all the hospitals private and public.

COVID-19 Island Closures

All Marinas are closed, no vacationing private vessels, no cruising, fishing or dive boats. The ports for all practical purposes are closed, no cruise ships.

The Maritime Transports

The ferries are down to one run. He emphasized that we cannot close off all communications with the mainland; we must have a means of transporting the tests, transporting patients to larger cities for treatment for other medical needs, receiving results, etc. We must also receive food and supplies.

On the Airport

The airport is under the jurisdiction of the federal Government and the current stance by the President of Mexico is that airports and borders will remain open. Our only recourse is implementing the strict screening of passengers and disinfecting.

(Note: a reader reported just this morning that Southwest has cancelled all flights to Cozumel until June 2^nd)

Hotels

He noted there are a few hotels still open with some 400 tourists as of last week. He was certain a number of those left recently and anticipates the rest will soon leave and those hotels will be closing soon.

Businesses

All non essential busineses are supposed to be closed at this point. The island residents are reluctantly following this VERY slowly. Restaurants are supposed to do take out and delivery only. Only stores with necesities should be open. All Public Parks and Sport centers are closed. (I believe we will see more enforcement as the crisis progresses.)

President Joaquin D. asked citizens to help by reporting violations by businesses or groups gathering to 911.  He furthermore requested that we report violations of unjustified price increases by grocery stores to PROFECO.

On Food Distribution

They are still working on a method to distribute food to 1,000 Cozumel families and are trying to do it in a manner that will not contradict with the social distancing rules. One method they are leaning towards is using the unions. People that are not in a union will have to go to the municipalities and register at Desarrollo Social.

Public Transportation Services Suspended

This afternoon the Municipal President followed through with his determination to keep citizens at home and off the streets by suspending public transportation. Uniper buses have ceased to operate in Cozumel.

Taxi Hours Decreased

In spirit of Cooperation, the Taxi Union has decreased the hours of service from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Keep informed on the COVID-19 related news in Cozumel, Mexico by joining The Cozumel Sun Facebook Group! I will forward VERIFIED information as it is confirmed.

Aurita´s Cozumel Corner

Make certain your gas tanks are full as soon as possible. The door to door gas service to refill your tanks is over. You must take them to the gas company to have them refilled. I will find out more on the address and hours of operations.

Stay at home unless you need to purchase a necessity. Follow the directives!!! Use a mask if you go out. Keep your distance. Clean shoes, clothing, and shower upon your return home. Wash hands!!!! Stay Safe, the crisis has just begun for Cozumel!

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