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Lancashire Times
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9:00 AM 1st June 2020
travel

Mexican Resort Begins Post-COVID Journey

 
The Mexican city of Puerto Vallarta has begun its journey back to normality as international leaders wrestle with the challenges of returning to a pre-Coronavirus status quo.

The State of Jalisco has entered what it has dubbed ‘Phase 0’ of its COVID-19 recovery plan, giving itself until the middle of this week for the gradual return of some economic activity.

It is the first step in preparing protocols for the next phases of the plan. During the current period, which began on May 18th, social distancing, and the use of face masks outside the home remain mandatory.

Stores, public roads, and businesses previously deemed non-essential that are linked to supply chains, are now allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity. Select businesses that do not generate crowds and adhere to social distancing guidelines are also being permitted to open.

Puerto Vallarta is a resort town on Mexico’s Pacific coast best known for its beaches, water sports and nightlife scene. Its cobblestone center is home to the ornate Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe church, boutique shops and a range of restaurants and bars.

However, beaches, public spaces, shopping malls, bars, and nightclubs remain closed for now. Restaurants and cafes that commit to applying established sanitation and safety protocols may operate at 50 percent of their capacity.

Hotel services such as access to swimming pools, bars, gyms, beach clubs, and private beaches remain suspended. Cleaning, sanitizing, and disease prevention measures are in place at Puerto Vallarta International Airport, the cruise port, on public transportation, in supermarkets, and in government offices which are providing limited services.

Local authorities are working closely with the travel sector to progressively implement updated protocols to support the transition to the next phase of recovery.

“Tourism is a very important industry in our state, and we are looking forward to welcoming back international visitors when the time is right,” said German Ralis, Minister of Tourism of the State of Jalisco.

“However, we remain very cautious with our plans for re-opening Jalisco, including popular tourism destinations like Puerto Vallarta, to ensure that the safest and cleanest conditions await guests upon their return.”

Throughout Phase 0, the government has continued to monitor the number of new cases identified.

More information will be available in the coming weeks.