The U.S. issues health alert to Americans in Mexico

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05/08/2020 

The embassy issued recommendations to prevent the spread of the coronavirus but reiterated its call for American citizens to return as soon as possible.

Due to the speed in the increase in confirmed and suspected cases of COVID-19 in Mexico, the United States Embassy launched a health alert, in which it asks Americans who are in Mexican territory and who wish to return to make the “arrangements commercials as soon as possible unless they are prepared to stay abroad for an indefinite period. ”

Hospital occupancy levels are also increasing, particularly in Mexico City, Baja California, the State of Mexico, and Quintana Roo. 

For this reason, he recommended that US citizens who are in Mexico manage their return as soon as possible since there will be no repatriation flights.

“Currently there are options for international commercial flights in Mexico. US citizens who wish to return to the United States must make business arrangements unless they are prepared to stay abroad for an indefinite period. The United States government does not plan to organize repatriation flights in Mexico at this time, “states the health alert.

The embassy explained that the Mexican health authorities continue with the call that all people remain at home during this time.

The Mexican government deployed elements of the National Guard in the six states most affected by the virus to protect medical facilities and workers, as well as to escort shipments of medical supplies.

He said that on April 16, restrictions at the national level on non-essential economic activities were extended in most municipalities until May 30.

He detailed that essential activities include the provision of medical services and supplies, grocery delivery services, supermarket operations, home delivery, and take-out service from restaurants, a guarantee of public safety, maintenance of fundamental economic functions, and government social programs.

The embassy issued recommendations to prevent the spread of the coronavirus but reiterated its call for American citizens to return as soon as possible.

As a reminder, the United States government does not pay for lodging or other expenses incurred due to travel interruptions abroad.

Actions to take: 

  • Register in the  Registration Program the Smart Traveler (STEP) ,  for its acronym in English, to receive alerts and help locate them in case of emergency. To change your registration and subscription to alerts, you must be logged in to STEP.
  • On the Embassy’s Facebook page, you can consult  the recommendations that Ambassador Cristopher Landau released  on March 31 for US citizens in Mexico.
  • Check the  CDC website  for the most current information.
  • For the latest information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, see the  latest CDC recommendations .
  • Visit the  COVID-19 crisis page at travel.state.gov  for the latest information.
  • Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators for updated information on their travel plans and / or restrictions.
  • Visit our  Embassy website at COVID-19  for information on conditions in Mexico.
  • Visit the  Department of Homeland Security website  for the latest travel restrictions to the United States. Check the  wait times for the port of entry  at the US border. USA and check the latest updates from  Customs and Border Protection .
  • Learn the  latest status of consular operations  at the Embassy, ​​Consulates and Consular Agencies.
  • Call the information hotline COVID-19 of the Mexican Ministry of Health at 800 0044 800 for local information while in Mexico. The  operators who speak English often, but not always, are available. Visit the  official page of the Mexican government  for updated information.
  • Consult the COVID-19MX app from the Ministry of Health that provides information in Spanish about the COVID-19 virus and local health resources. It includes contact information for medical service providers, an interactive diagnostic tool that analyzes reported symptoms and suggests seeking or not seeking medical attention, the location of the nearest health unit, the latest news related to COVID-19, and suggestions on how prevent the spread of the disease. The application is available in the iOS  and  Android stores  .

Source: mx.usembassy.gov, milenio.com

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