As of June 2020, the government of Mexico has opened air travel for vacations and other purposes to the country despite the fact that COVID-19 still has control in the world. Airlines are bringing tourists and non-business travelers to a variety of destinations, particularly resorts like Huatulco, the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Cancun and the rest. What is the reasoning? Is it wise for non-Mexicans to visit the country now?

While we don’t know everything about the coronavirus, we can safely assume that people with COVID-19 can be asymptomatic (i.e. normal temperature) and still spread it. For present purposes, we will be referring to Americans who want to get away to their favorite Mexican destination during the summer of 2020. It is suggested that one of the reasons the US government allows international travel is that when you return, you can still put quarantined its citizens and residents. Also, if an American becomes ill while abroad, there will be no burden on the American health care system because the person will receive treatment abroad and will not be allowed on a plane. So it’s okay for the US government to take this stance.

For the Mexican government, it helps tax revenue if Americans now vacation in resorts. And yes, it also helps residents like hotel maids and restaurant and bar staff who would otherwise have no job or income. But what about the traveler who has the virus and arrives at the resort? He or she can infect the locals!

Our Mexican health system is already overwhelmed by dealing with its own citizens and legal residents. As of mid-June, half of the 32 states are still categorized as red or orange. We don’t need Americans (or visitors from other countries) to exacerbate the situation. either infecting Mexicans or becoming symptomatic themselves. Also, as a general rule, Mexicans, particularly villagers, are not as conscientious as urban Americans about wearing masks and social distancing. Therefore, visitors are more likely to become infected with COVID-19 by visiting a Mexican than by staying at home. Do you want to be stuck in a Mexican health clinic or hospital? Is it fair to the locals and their health system?

A newspaper in Oaxaca, the state in which the resort is located, reported on June 19, 2020 that the death toll from COVID-19 was then 420. Seventy-seven of those deaths had occurred during the previous four days! ! It also reported that on the popular street in the center of the state capital, Las Casas, the stalls had returned to the roadside after a brief pause, without practicing social distancing. As for face masks, perhaps half of bystanders comply with that recommendation.

You may think that lying on a beach will be very different and that it is easy to do social distancing. But think of the woman who comes up to you with trinkets and tacos. Do you want to spread it? Do you want me to infect you?

To vacation, wait for Mexico to give the green light. For business purposes, unless the trip is urgent and needs to be done now, wait similarly. It is the right thing for you and for the people of Mexico.