I want to visit Isla Mujeres after Covid19 is over
Will it be safe to book a hotel in Isla Mujeres in 2020 and what to expect? Are hotels open and how is the situation at the moment after COVID19
Mexico is still working its way out of the COVID-19 epidemic through a system called Semaforo
On the road to recovery from a total shutdown of tourism with a virus that is highly contagious and still going around, not only in Mexico but worldwide, Mexico is taking precautions to make sure both tourist and workers will be safe during the coming years ar the world waits for a vaccine.
In Isla Mujeres, this means that hotels and tourist attractions can have a proof of safe measurements that guarantee a COVID-19 free stay by applying for a certificate that shows the hotel or attractions does everything according to government laws and regulations to keep both workers and tourists safe.
- This includes sanitation stops and checkpoints at the main entrance
- different ways of transport back and forth between the airport to the hotel
- new rules for buffets and restaurants
- and for the time being only a 30-40% occupation of rooms.
Working with a colour code referred to as “Semaforo” (traffic light) All of Quintana Roo, that includes Isla Mujeres, today when writing this article on May 31 is orange.
Orange means that tourism will open slowly at an average of 40% rates. From there, depending on how the virus is contained and the people behave, the State government, in close guidance from the federal government will work its way to yellow and green. In the green zone, the contamination and spreading of the virus are low, all other colours have a severe risk of a new outbreak and a need for new isolation.
There are two Semaforo’s one for tourism and one for the economy and society, both Semaforo’s count, so you might have restrictions outside your resort.
Hotel chains to open in Quintana Roo, on June 8 are:
- Mayakobá,
- Marriot,
- Barceló,
- Vidanta,
- Catalonia,
- Maroma,
- Dreams,
- El Dorado,
- Princess,
- Palladium,
- Hilton,
- Princess
- Iberostar
Smaller hotels will reopen after July 1.
Airbnb has announced to follow state ordinance, so it is my good guess as Experience host that booking will be accepted through Airbnb from July 1.
What to expect when booking a vacation in Isla Mujeres in the “New Normal”?
You will notice a difference starting at the airport when you arrive by plane. There will be checks, sanitisation and corridors.
From there the public transport and transfer provided by the ferry terminal will be different from what you might be used to. There will be smaller groups, fewer people on the bus or minivan. and sanitization stops along the way.
You have to wear facemasks. Face Masks are mandatory in Quintana Roo.
In the terminal to board the ferry, there will be health checks again. And the regular security checks.
Instead of walking up to the front desk for check-in, you will first pass sanitary filters, where your temperature will be measured and you will be instructed on behaviour, hotel sanitisation policies and you have to sanitise before entering the hotel.
This will make the check-in procedure longer, but you can imagine it is for your own safety, the safety of the workers and for those back home to whom you return afterwards.
Both the Mexican Tourism Board and the State government work towards a safe environment
In the meantime, the named hotels are hiring staff and preparing for the visit of tourists, accepting a limited amount of bookings. They have to prepare the hotel for the new normal, restaurant capacity will be different, buffet’s and self-service restaurants all will have a different setup. Be aware that the holiday you remembered from the past and you long to return to will not exist anymore.
Your hotel might have a health certificate now, to prove they are following government guidelines, but this certificate is not mandatory.
Shops in tourist areas and tourist hotspots will open on small capacity, depending on the colour of the economic Semaforo.
The way the colours of the Semaforo change depends on certain criteria. Economic, social, mobility, demand, safety. To name a few. Please note that the colour of the Semaforo may also change back to a previous color, which includes stricter policies or even lockdown.
You should take this all very seriously
In a country where most people depend on a daily income and live day by day, the sacrifice of 8-9 weeks in isolation and lockdown has been a big one. I hope you remember that when you meet one of the first 10,000 workers that can restart working in hospitality on June 8 and that you will tip generously.
The Semaforo is the gateway to the new normal, a society where we keep distant, not make physical contact and where we clean and sanitize vigorously. Where we are honest about our state of health only to protect ourselves and others.
Please bear in mind that when you come to Quintana Roo a facemask is mandatory at all times when you are outside the resort. Inside the resort, you have to follow resort policies that fit the new normality.
How about the beaches?
The public beaches remain closed until we the regular Semaforo reaches the colour yellow.
Beaches for the resorts will open, but only for your resort. A beach walk is most likely not allowed or limited.
How about tours and hot spots?
When I write this article there is no sign of Xcaret or Chitzen Itza to reopen, nor cenotes and other public places Tourist hotspots will, depending on the colour of the Tourism Semaforo open at 40% capacity in Orange.
Tranport and pre-bookings will be different from what you are used too and there might be long waitinglines, depening on how the arrtaction or park has organized the visitors flow.
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