Covid-19 and keeping healthy are on the minds of everyone around the world. With winter season fast approaching with harsh weather for many, the Snowbirds as well as regular tourists are wondering if travel will even be possible this winter. None of us can predict the future, so let’s take a look at what we know for sure about Covid as it pertains to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo:
All businesses have been required by law to take online Covid courses. These courses served to educate including what Covid is, how to properly clean and sanitize, what precautions to take, the importance of covering a cough, washing hands for 20 seconds, and carrying antibacterial gel. It was also recommended to have special mats to sanitize the bottoms of shoes before entering the establishment. Smaller establishments will have their certificates displayed (see ours below).
Mexico is on a “Stoplight” system; it goes according to state, and may change at any given moment. See photo down below for details.
The local Zihuatanejo government is following the federal protocols including patrolling of the beaches to make sure that people are complying to the rules. In addition, they have been sanitizing the streets and the local mercados.
Hotels: Very high restrictions and are only allowed a certain capacity percentage, depending on the current color of the “Stoplight”. Buffets will no longer be self-serve. Less contact with staff; all rooms to be sanitized. Most hotels will take your temperature before entering the premises and offer hand gel. Masks are mandatory. Even with strict policies in place, many travelers are looking to Airbnb for condo or house rental to avoid being around many people and have more control over making their own meals or having meals delivered, which is not possible in a hotel setting. Airbnb has strict Covid guidelines for owners, which is reflected in their listing. See photo below for a local example.
Restaurants: Like hotels, have high restrictions and are only allowed to operate at a certain capacity with tables spaced out. Most menus are disposable or QR code; tables sanitized after use. Masks are mandatory. Several restaurants remained open during Red Light in order to offer delivery service; most continued to do so once the Stoplight changed. This brings comfort to tourists who want to eat at their favorite restaurants, but prefer to do so from their rental place.
Stores: Bigger stores (Sam’s Club, Soriana, Bodega) only allow 1 person per family to enter. Temperatures taken at entrance and antibacterial gel given. Masks are mandatory.
Tours: As all businesses, tours have had to operate on lower capacity as well. Transportation drivers will take your temperature and offer antibacterial gel before getting in their vehicle. Masks are mandatory.
Beaches: Until the Green Light, beaches will have the biggest change. Depending on the Stoplight color, beach chairs and coolers will not be allowed. Beach hours may change as well. Masks are mandatory at beach entrance, but not while walking on the beach or in the ocean.
Taxis and combis: Masks are mandatory.
Airport: The only entrance is at the far north end and the only exit at the far south end. Each passenger will have their temperatures taken at airport entrance and antibacterial gel will be given.
Departures: Temperatures will be taken and antibacterial gel given before entering the airport facility. Those exhibiting symptoms may be subject to additional health screening and/or quarantine. In addition, each passenger must show a (digitally) signed document at Security, stating they do not have Covid and have not been exposed within the last 72 hours. No document= no getting on plane!
Arrivals: Temperatures will be taken and antibacterial gel given before entering the airport facility. Bags will be sanitized before loading them in the vehicle. Those exhibiting symptoms may be subject to additional health screening and/or quarantine.
Flights to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo: National and international flights have resumed, albeit very slowly.
- USA: Travel has commenced with nonstop flights on Alaska Airlines from LAX, and American Airlines from PHX. In December, United Airlines is scheduled to begin nonstop flights from ORD and IAH; Sun Country from MSP.
- Canada: travel with WestJet and Air Canada have flights scheduled, but with heavy travel restrictions in Canada- nothing yet confirmed. Effective January 7, 2021 all air passengers 5 years of age or older must present a PCR ( molecular polymerase chain reaction) test negative for COVID-19 , the test must be taken 72 hours prior to the traveler`s scheduled departure to Canada. The documentation must be presented to the airline prior to boarding a flight to Canada.
- National Mexican Airlines/Making a Connection: Volaris nonstop from Tijuana. AeroMexico from Mexico City. In December flights from Mexico City will include the airlines Volaris, VivaAerobus and AeroMar.
Hospitals, Private Clinics, Doctors and Covid Testing: The Hospital General is the only place that will accept Covid patients. There are many English-speaking doctors in private clinics to help diagnose you, but as above- only the Hospital General is equipped for Covid patients. Covid testing is available at the Hospital General as well as at some private clinics (for a cost).·
And… GOOD NEWS FOR ALL: There is no toilet paper or bleach shortage in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo!
We take this very seriously, as we know you do as well. We do not expect a Green Light for many months to come, but we will keep pushing forward safely. As we always do!
Zanca Travelers Covid course certificates (5 different courses)
https://airbnb.com/h/casacrayola
AIRBNB: The Airbnb example above shows 2 things you want to look for:
- Superhost
- Advanced cleaning protocol commitment.
