Cozumel News January 14, 2022

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Cozumel News January 14: FREE COVID Testing Exclusively for People with symptoms, LOW COST Covid19 Test, Registering for the Booster Vaccine, 3 Main Symptoms of the Omicron Variant, Buccano´s Juan Barbachano, Royal Caribbean & Norwegian Cruise Lines cancel some Routes, Important Request from Cozumel Trash Collectors , and more!

Free COVID Testing Exclusively for People with symptoms

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms you can get free testing at Cozumel General Hospital from January 10-21. The tests are available Monday through Friday from ten in the morning until six in the evening.

Registering for the Booster Vaccine

To receive the Vaccine booster, you must register at mivacuna.salud.gob.mx. This is the same place that you register to receive the original vaccination.

The difference is that you place your CURP number in the space for REFUERZO. You must present a copy of the registration called ¨Expediente de Vacunacion.

Also copies of certificate of vaccination (or proof of first and second dose of vaccination), CURP, INE (or Visa), and Utility Bill. They will keep all five of these copies, keep extras for your records!

About the Booster

The vaccine Mexico is using for the booster is Astra Zeneca, regardless of the brand of the original vaccination. Experts report that mixing the vaccine brands is a good thing. For information on mixing different vaccines read

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/12/mixing-pfizer-astraz-covid19-shots-moderna-immune-response-uk-study/

and/or

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01359-3

Low Cost Covid-19 Test

The Municipal Government has set up three LOW-COST testing locations around the island. The hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The cost of the test is $220 pesos.

Dome of the ¨Municipio Libre” Park of the Emiliano Zapata Colony, located on 14th Calle and 90th avenue.

Dome of the “San Gervasio” Park, located on 115 Avenue between Morelos and 5 Sur Calles

Gonzalo Guerrero Avenue Parking Lot between 13th streets and Xel Ha Avenue, next to the ¨Dirección de ¨Seguridad Pública y Transito.¨

State Covid-19 Update

Cozumel News January 14, 2022 Continued

Important Request from Cozumel Trash Collectors

If you or a Family member has covid please separate affected trash and mark with a red tie or ribbon. Please spray bag with disinfectant.

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3 Main Symptoms of the Omicron Variant

Men´s Health Magazine Emilia Benton January 11, 2022

The classic symptoms of the earlier strains were cough, fever, and intense muscle aches, as well as the loss of taste or smell. In very severe cases, chest pressure, as well as shortness of breath, were also prominent symptoms.

Aside from classic Covid-19 symptoms, according to Dr. Singh, some of the distinguishing symptoms of the Omicron variant are runny nose, stuffy nose, and a sore throat.

“Omicron, [meanwhile,] is less likely to invade the lungs,” Dr. Singh says. “Instead, Omicron is causing more upper respiratory symptoms.”

Omicron is not known to result in a loss of taste or smell, unlike the other variants, Dr. Singh continues. However, because the symptoms of Omicron are less severe, it can be hard to differentiate it from other causes of upper respiratory conditions like seasonal allergies. (Because it wasn’t already challenging enough to determine if it’s a cold or Covid, right?)

If you do have symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, and/or fever, it is very important to get tested as soon as possible and stay at home while you wait for your results, Dr. Singh says.

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

What should I do if I catch it?

If you test positive for Covid-19, no matter the variant, it’s important to consult with your doctor about the best treatment path forward for you as an individual, Dr. Singh says. You can safely do this with a virtual visit to limit your exposure to others while you’re sick. Not only is this more convenient than unnecessarily heading to the ER or urgent care, it’s also likely going to be far cheaper.

“During this visit, you may be prescribed one of the two new anti-Covid medications that recently became available on the market earlier this year,” he explains. “Your team will also work with you to determine if you are a candidate for monoclonal antibody therapy.”

In any case, if you have Covid, be sure to get plenty of rest, hydrate well, and use over-the-counter medications such as throat lozenges, pain relievers like ibuprofen, and fever-lowering medications like acetaminophen, or Tylenol, he adds.

How can I protect myself from Omicron?

Without a doubt, the best means of protection against Covid altogether is to get vaccinated (that is, a full series and their recommended booster) if you haven’t already, he says.

“In addition to vaccination, social distancing remains an important part of protection from Omicron,” he adds. “If possible, try to maintain a safe distance of at least six feet apart from others, minimizing physical contact and wearing an appropriately fitting mask to reduce the risk of [getting] Covid.”

Additionally, if you are going to still gather with others, especially with anyone at high risk of Covid-related complications, it’s also important to get tested within 48 hours of the event. This is key for detecting an infection while you may be symptomatic, Dr. Singh says.

“A PCR test is considered the gold-standard test to detect all variants of COVID, including Omicron,” he says. “Antigen [or rapid] tests are also useful to detect disease, but they are known to be less sensitive. Ideally, a negative antigen test result should be followed by a PCR test for a definitive answer. If either a PCR or antigen test is positive, then you are actively infected with the disease.”

The bottom line: While you can rest easily knowing that becoming infected with Omicron is likely to be less severe if you’re vaccinated, continue to do your best to avoid becoming infected altogether. And it can’t be said enough: If you still haven’t gotten vaccinated, schedule your appointment to do so today.

Cozumel News January 14, 2022 Continued

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Royal Caribbean Route Cancellations

The cruise company Royal Caribbean International (RCI) decided to cancel some of its scheduled routes to reach Mexico, due to a new outbreak of COVID-19. At least two, of the four ships had been scheduled to arrive in Cozumel.

Cozumel lost a total of four arrivals, two for each ship, Jewel of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas. Symphony of the Seas is scheduled to resume routes on January 29, while Jewel of the Seas will be put into operation again February 20.

In addition, RCI warned in a timely manner that, due to the pandemic, all the trips they have scheduled may change without prior notice.

Norwegian Cruise Line Cancellations

More Norwegian Cruise Line cancellations came on the heels of their announcement that the Jan. 3 sailing of the Norwegian Pearl would end early due to “COVID related circumstances. Here are the cancelations:

Dawn sailings Schedule to depart Jan. 13 and Jan. 18.

Getaway sailings scheduled to depart Jan. 14 and Jan. 19.

Joy sailings scheduled to depart Jan. 15 and Jan. 22.

Escape sailings scheduled to depart Jan. 15 and Jan. 22.

Pearl sailing scheduled to depart Jan. 17.

Sky cruises embarking Feb. 25.

Pride of America cruises embarking through Feb. 26.

Jade cruises embarking through March 3.

Star cruises embarking through March 19.

Sun cruises embarking through April 19.

Spirit cruises embarking through April 23.

Aurita’s Cozumel Corner

Happy New Years everyone, may this year find you and yours healthy and blessed.

Our Trip to Coatzacoalcos, Vera Cruz

As you know, we closed the store from December 27 until January 3rd to take a bus trip with the grandchildren to Coatzacoalcos, Vera Cruz.  This is an annual event for us for two reasons. I want the children to stay in touch and take pride in their heritage and roots while bonding with their many relatives that live there. Secondly, it is a large port city, ideal to find them good quality clothing at affordable prices. Both Julian and Gigi had grown out of everything.

The Simple Life

By our standards, the family in Coatzacoalcos lives a simple life. A few of the relatives live in ranches up in a mountain accessible by very rough roads or a ride in a lancha followed by a local cab. Other family members live in the city. They cook the food outdoors over a wood fire. Those in the ranch as well as grandma and grandpapa in the city raise their own animals that will appear in a meal somewhere along the line. There is an abundance of fruit and vegetables and herbs of all kinds for cooking and healing whatever ails you. The only hot shower was back at our hotel.

Going back to their Roots

Culture and the wonderful traditions filled each day. The children had fun watching the old man burn (a dummy dressed and labeled 2021), lighting fireworks in the middle of the street, and beating a piñata. The grandchildren´s electronics were replaced by actual human communication, old fashion toys and games. The traditional foods were excellent. However, most important, the kids bonded with their aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins. The children felt the family love and were blessed by the elders with prayers. The grandkids did not once miss the comforts of home nor complained, in fact, they are looking forward to our next visit.

These wonderful people adopted me into their fold years ago. I am the abuela from Cozumel. I think they have told the entire community about me. Every time a relative introduces me to a neighbor, friend, or church member, they reply how happy they are to finally meet me.

They dote on me and go out of their way to see to my comfort and every need. I go with the flow and try everything. They know my one rule is do not show me a live chicken, turkey, or pig before it becomes part of the meal. Yes, I have adopted yet another extended family and cannot wait to see them again.

The Pandemic

After a difficult 2020 and 2021 there seems to be no end to the Pandemic. The only difference is we are over the surreal feeling of the situation. This can be dangerous, as some lose the fear and let down their guard. The rest of us are used to the new normal of masks, safe distancing, and sanitation procedures.

The Majority does NOT Rule

Most of us are following procedures and are vaccinated. Unfortunately, as human nature so often dictates the unbelievers are allowing the virus to continue and evolve. I understand and support freedom of choice. However, in my opinion that privileged should be only allowed if your freedom of choice does not affect others.

The people that are not following the procedures and are not vaccinated pose a threat to the rest of the population in more ways than one.

They are spreading the virus indefinitely, and in doing so allowing it to mutate, the latest version being omicron.

The lives of the children that have not yet been vaccinated at at risk.  Also in danger are the lives of the vulnerable population, vaccinated but fragile due to age or preexisting illness.

Indirect Impact

 Indirectly, thousands have died because their preventive health care, operations and treatments have been placed on hold due to the overcrowding of hospitals and clinics.

This year, most of the patients occupying the hospital beds, and yes dying are the very same unvaccinated unbelievers. Yet in spite of this fact, they are still refusing the vaccine and refusing the safety procedures.

Cozumel News January 14, 2022 Continued

Buccano´s Juan Barbachano

We have lost another treasured citizen. While I was away over the holidays, I missed a post by Kandy Stahl announcing the death of Juan Barbachano. I am sorry to say, I never had the pleasure of meeting him during my years of visiting Buccanos.

Being a member of the Buccanos family, husband to my dear friend Ines Falkenberg, and father of Carina, and Bosco Barbachano, speaks for itself. May he rest in Peace! My condolences go out to Inez and her family, along with my prayers. You are loved and an integral part of our island paradise. Here is Kandy´s Stahl Tribute:

Facebook Post Kandy Stahl December 29, 2021

¨Today is a day of great sadness for me. I learned as soon as I woke up that a dear friend had lost his hard-fought battle with cancer.

Juan Barbachano was a great man. He was a car enthusiast, a man who loved to fish, and a man with a passion for horses. Above all, he loved his family. He was so proud of his children Bosco and Cari, and he celebrated their talents. I will always hold dear our discussions after dinner at Buccanos, whether they were about politics, world history, fishing adventures, or whatever.

Juan was a very educated man who lived a very rich and amazing life. A void has been left on the island and in the hearts of many people today with his passing. May you rest in peace Juan. And may Ines Falkenberg, Carina, and Bosco Barbachano always cherish the memories and the love you had for them. ¨💙

 The Cozumel Sun Book Exchange Store

This month we must pay the 2022 license and accompanying fees for our Book Exchange and store. In addition to our regular operating costs, we need to purchase another shelf for the books. The book Exchange has outgrown our shelving.

Something for Everyone!

Our store carries a little bit of everything. I have taken the time to show you some of the things in stock. Most of the Avon products are marked at cost. We have an array of gently used items that we are giving away for the cost of a DONATION. Please browse the following items and see if you can help us by purchasing some of these items. Keep us in mind if you are looking for a gift for a neighbor, employee or a child.

Compatible devices: iPad 2nd generation (model number: A1395 / A1396 / A1397), iPad 3rd generation (model number: A1416 / A1430 / A1403), iPad 4th generation (model number: A1458 / A1459 / A1460) iPad 2nd generation (model number: A1395 / A1396 / A1397), iPad 3rd generation (model number: A1416 / A

Maximum supported device size       9.7 inches – Mark  pro case – Color  Bluish green Material   Thermoplastic polyurethane, Polycarbonate.

Your support helps us give back to the Cozumel community!

The Cozumel Sun Facebook Group is the place to exchange information, ask questions, and get fast responses to any problems you may encounter during this critical time.

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