Cozumel COVID-19 updates

[WetInPortland]

Noon update for 14-April:

In Quintana Roo, 245 confirmed cases, 197 pending. Of those confirmed, 102 in social isolation; 50 hospitalized, 69 recovered, 24 deaths. Cancun still accounts for about 2/3rds of the total confirmed cases and 1/2 the deaths. Cozumel is now reporting eight confirmed cases and 0 deaths officially. Keep in mind that these numbers are low by many multiples (the Health Ministry estimates by as much as 8x nationwide). Only those arriving at a hospital with significant symptoms are being tested at this point.

Apparently the Governor's announcement of stricter quarantine measures (mentioned in last night's update) follows a number of reports of people violating prohibitions on recreational activities and social distancing rules. These include:

• Kiteboarders who had to be rescued after launching near Cancun and ending up near Isla Muejeres
• A group of tourists partying at a "glamping" hotel on the beach in Tulum (the hotel was closed by the authorities and faces fines for selling alcohol after hours, at a minimum)
• A group of about 30 Argentine tourists found visiting a cenote at an abandoned ranch near Tulum

Since all entries to Mexico on tourist visas stopped over three weeks ago, with all tourist hotel reservations cancelled by government mandate, one has to wonder if these are people "living" in Mexico on tourist visas. Immigration mostly publicizes raids on people from Central America who are in the country without authorization, but one has to wonder if they will start to turn their attention to some of the more affluent tourists, given these kinds of events.

And finally, a quick shout-out to our moderator, Marg (@MMM ) for indulging my little quarantine hobby and keeping us more or less on track.

Try not to become a statistic. Marg, SB Senior moderator

Every time I dive, Marg, everytime I dive!

 

[WetInPortland]

From the noon update for 15-April:

In Quintana Roo, 269 confirmed cases, 173 pending. Of the confirmed cases, 107 are in social isolation, 66 hospitalized, 69 recovered, 27 deaths. For Cozumel, no change from yesterday; 8 confirmed cases and 0 deaths officially.

Yesterday at 4pm, the city began closing major streets in Centro. Melgar, 30th, and 65th all closed between Airport Blvd and Q. Roo; QRoo closed from Melgar to 65th, Benito Juarez closed from 30th to Felix Gonzales Canto. The announcement advised that persons attempting to travel in and around the city may be stopped and asked to produce identification. Motorists must have a valid license. Plates/registration are required, but if the plates are not current there is a waiver, as SEFIPLAN (DMV) has been closed. The closures are supposedly for both vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

This has been very confusing. By the map of the closures, it's impossible to get to Mega at all, and no one north of Q. Roo can get to Chedraui. However, locals are reporting that these businesses are open and accessible, so it's unclear exactly how the closures are working and will work long term. The closures have pushed traffic to the smaller side streets through the neighborhoods, much to the consternation of the residents. The measures are apparently prompted by the Governor's address Monday night, which in turn was prompted by multiple flagrant violations for the Quedarte En Casa (Stay at Home) noted here yesterday.

Similar measures are being implemented on the mainland; there are reports that only residents are being allowed into Tulum. It's unclear how this is being implemented as well; that is the major shopping center for the area, with three major grocery stores. There are a lot of homes outside the city limits that depend on those resources.

 

[cicopo]

Thank you. I've shared this to the Tripadvisor forum for members there to know what's going on at our favorite travel destination.

 

[ggunn]

In Quintana Roo, 269 confirmed cases... Of the confirmed cases... 27 deaths..

Ye gods.

 

[DandyDon]

A 10% fatality rate of those infected has to mean something is different. Perhaps many things.

 

[Augustus]

it means there is nearly zero testing being done. If a test is taken it goes to Cancun then onto Merida then finally to the lab in DF. So numbers of confirmed cases have to be taken in context since the number of people infected is unkown.

 

[ChuckP]

This has been very confusing. By the map of the closures, it's impossible to get to Mega at all, and no one north of Q. Roo can get to Chedraui

There's an exit point from Centro, 10 de April - out 65 onto Airport BLVD, go East to Felix Gonzalez, turn right and the new Chedraui will be on your right at Transversel. You can get to Sams Club, you can get to Chedraui downtown and the corner at 11 and Melgar is open to get to Mega.

You enter back into the Centro zone area at 10 and 11.

Don't travel without ID - you need to be creative to get around, they want it to be difficult, not impossible.

This has nothing to do with COVID - 19 - maybe she'll delete it...............................

 

[HalcyonDaze]

A 10% fatality rate of those infected has to mean something is different. Perhaps many things.

it means there is nearly zero testing being done. If a test is taken it goes to Cancun then onto Merida then finally to the lab in DF. So numbers of confirmed cases have to be taken in context since the number of people infected is unkown.

Most likely a lack of testing. Some other locations at first look have abnormally high case-fatality rates; the most reasonable assumption is that the reported case numbers are incomplete (likely overly weighted towards severe/hospitalized). For example France and Germany currently have similar reported case totals (both 134,000 and change), but France's case fatality rate (CFR) is 12.77% and Germany's is 2.82%. Might also be differences in the health/demographics of the cases and quality of healthcare, but for that level of disparity I would say underreporting of total cases is most likely.

In case anyone is interested in the global picture: Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center

 

[BRT]

A 10% fatality rate of those infected has to mean something is different. Perhaps many things.

It means they are only testing really sick people.

 

[DandyDon]

Most likely a lack of testing.

I suspect a lack of testing and a lack of reporting both. There has been talk on Facebook Cozumel forums of several deaths on the island that were probably Covid-19 related but not reported as such. If the patients who died were not tested, then no need to report those as Covid-19 fatalities - which could damage the idyllic reputation of the vacation destination.