We have had several emails and notes from people (thank you very much) asking about how Puerto Morelos is during the COVID-19 pandemic. For us, it is very quiet. Like you can hear a pin drop quiet. There are very few people on the streets and the few you see, you likely know. Of course, you may not recognize them right away, as we are wearing masks. We all wave and greet each other warmly from a distance.
Currently, the town is practising self-isolation just like many of you are. This began happening around mid-March with the closure of businesses like La Sirena, My Paradise and Don Mexkal. This was followed by all non-essential businesses closing including all hotels and all-inclusive resorts.
As far as cases of COVID-19 in our town, (as we write this on April 20, 2020) officially there has only been one confirmed case from Puerto Morelos. It is a woman who resides here but is not in town. She tested positive in Mexico City after returning from Europe. She is being treated in Mexico City. For the latest numbers in the state of Quintana Roo click here.
In late March, the Mexican government issued an order closing all of the beaches in the country, including ours here in Puerto Morelos. They made the move just before Semana Santa (Easter), which is typically a time when families pack the beach, to discourage people from vacationing in la playa.
Last week the Governor of the state issued a stronger stay at home order. All non-essential businesses must close and even essential businesses (i.e. grocery stores) must be closed by 6:00 pm. This means that after 6 pm, no businesses can be open, including restaurants for take-out or delivery.
In Puerto Morelos, we have been told we must wear masks when we go outside our homes. Chedraui Selecto will not allow you in the store without a mask. The only businesses open during the day on the port side (we cannot speak to La Colonia as we are discouraged from travelling there) are the Chedraui Selecto (from 7 am to 6 pm, with the first 2 hours reserved for high-risk people and seniors), the two OXXOs, the pharmacies and the paint store.
A few restaurants still remain open for take-out in the afternoons, but they must be closed by 6 pm. The grocery stores can only sell liquor from 10 am to 5 pm, so you have to plan your home happy hour ahead of time.
Most people in our area work in the tourist industry. With the onset of the virus, the majority of people in our town have lost their jobs. With no social safety net in Mexico, this has made for very hard times for many. The state did issue some food hampers for local people. They included rice, beans, cooking oil etc, but this is really just a drop in the bucket. The local community has been quick to step up and supply food aid to people in need. There have been at least two food drives, thanks to the support of Puerto Morelos fans locally and around the world. With everything closed, and a lot of local businesses unlikely to open again, the need for food aid will be ongoing and growing. If you would like to help those in need, check out the mexiCAN Compassion Project or the Puerto Morelos Community Food Bank. Both have options to donate from wherever you are in the world.
Crococun is also looking for help to feed the animals while they remain closed. They ask that you help by buying tickets in advance or donating directly.
The self-isolation measures for our town are currently in effect until at least May 17, but more likely until the end of May. Nobody knows for sure when we’ll be able to do simple things again like walk the beach or dine with friends.
The irony of all this is that the beach has never been better. We are able to see the shore through the security tape. There is little to no Sargasso and the weather has been amazing! April is a great time of year to be here.
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Stay safe and be well from us at InPuertoMorelos.com and Casa de los Viajeros.