Monday, January 24, 2022

Isla Mujeres News & Events Monday, January 24


 
~Please visit our sponsors~
email: info@mvcisla.com

 Sites we host:
Isla Mujeres News & Events on Facebook 

Isla Mujeres History on Facebook & Website 
 
 
The municipal Department of Ecology and the Environment is conducting a door-to-door campaign to raise awareness among pet owners about respecting the Animal Welfare Regulations and working together to maintain a good image of the municipality. They are handing out copies of the municipal regulations
Article #13 prohibits throwing animals, alive or dead, into the public roads/sidewalks or abandoning them, or allowing them to get loose in the public roads due to negligence.
Article #15 says when a pet is taken for a walk along the public roads, it needs to be on a leash with a collar or harness.
Article #32 says you should prevent your dogs from defecating in public spaces, and in all cases the person walking the dog should have a bag or wrapper to pick up any feces, which should be properly disposed of in a trash receptacle. The owners and walkers are responsible for their animals and failure to comply can result in being sanctioned.
 

 
NEW RULES--
 
#1- The state government's new "Semáforo" rules were announced on Friday, allowing larger capacities. Q Roo begins Orange (Naranja) status on Monday, when capacities for the listed touristic businesses will be 70%. This includes restaurants, marinas, nautical activities, hotels, tourist transportation, water parks, theme parks, beaches, museums & historical sites, and operators & guides for adventure tours, diving, etc. (Cuartos=rooms, Mesas=tables, Asientos=seats, Aforo=capacity, Empleados=employees).
 
#2- Bars, nightclubs, cantinas etc are limited to 60% capacity in Orange. (Sana distancia=healthy distance, espacios abiertos/cerrados=open/closed spaces).
 
#3- The Lethality of Covid-19 in Quintana Roo, which dropped from 13.05% in 2020 to 0.32% this month. The state Secretary of Health attributed this to the state's high rate of vaccination, which is over 90%, and to improved treatments.
 
#4-Hospital Occupancy in Q Roo throughout the pandemic. She said the vast majority of C-19 cases are 'ambulatory', and quarantining at home.
The state has begun collecting daily C-19 reports from hotels and the Secretary of Health said there are currently 326 tourists who've tested positive (as of Friday's press conference). She emphasized the importance of continuing to follow protocols like wearing masks correctly, avoiding crowds, good ventilation, frequent hand washing & using gel, and healthy distancing. The Color status is announced on Thursday nights for the following Monday-Sunday and we're in Orange for Jan 24-30.
 
#5- Q Roo is also moving from Yellow to Orange on the National Semáforo for Jan 24-Feb. 6.
 
 

 

 

 

 


  This blog is brought to you by....


MaraVilla Caribe   Bed & Beach    Four rentals with large glass doors overlooking our white sand beach and the beautiful Caribbean sea, with  kitchenettes & fast WIFI. In the upscale neighborhood of  Bachilleres, convenient to downtown or the colonias, yet separate.  Quiet & Private.   
Free amenities include hammocks, portable beach chairs, beach towels, washer & dryer, loungers, shared bikes, BBQ grill, and safes.  Panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Large sliding doors open to a patio & the white sand backyard-beach, overlooking the Caribbean sea.  Downtown is  ~ a mile away; we're on all four bus routes or  flag a $3 taxi. Off street parking. In the quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres,  sleep to the sounds of the sea..  $275/$325/$425 wk   $40/50/$65nt  Monthly Discounts
Fine dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. We provide a list of links & direction to over 20 eateries within ten minutes walk, including Mango Cafe,  Mike's Pizza, Brisas, Rosa Sirena, Coco Jaguar, Manolitos, Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, and the large department store-grocery Chedraui & the local craft brewery.  Visit marinas, bars, & beach clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Attend Yoga classes a couple villas away at Casa Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks away in the village, as well as a variety of other stores.

 ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````

Sources for Weather Information:
LINK to Civil Protection Q Roo weather bulletin  (Spanish)
LINK to Mexico National Weather Service (Spanish)
 LINK to satellite images for the Mexico National Weather Service
 LINK to GOES East Band 16 GIF (animation)
LINK to a private weather station on Isla Mujeres

LINK to US National Hurricane Center 





 


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Thursday, January 20, 2022

Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Thursday, Jan 20


 
~Please visit our sponsors~
email: info@mvcisla.com

 Sites we host:
Isla Mujeres News & Events on Facebook 

Isla Mujeres History on Facebook & Website  


On Monday, our Northern Zone of the state will enter Orange status, as will the Southern Zone. Quintana Roo will also move to Orange on the Federal light.
The most populous area of the state, Cancun (Benito Juarez), is reporting 700 new cases daily compared to their peaks during Delta of around 250 per day, and their previous peaks were around 50 daily. The Governor said the Contagion Rate in our Northern Zone has risen to the point where each person is infecting about 3 other people. It was 2.3, rose to 3.6 one day, then 2.8. The hospital occupancy rate in our Zone has risen to 22%.
Quintana Roo's vaccination rate is at 98% for having one shot and 93% for both shots. The Governor repeatedly emphasized the importance of following health protocols including wearing masks correctly and consistently, avoiding crowds, giving preference to well ventilated areas, frequent handwashing & use of antibacterial gel, getting vaccinated, and healthy distancing.








The municipal government invites you to join them on Saturday morning at 7am for a clean up in colonia La Gloria, where residents are reminded to set out their junk on Friday night (mattresses, appliances, etc) for pick-up.
 

 
 Today--The Mayor reported that since she took office at the end of September, 26,500 tons of trash have been removed from the Transfer Facility to the mainland landfill, in 1364 trips.
    They have also collected 4250 tons of garbage in the streets. This week the Parks and Gardens department has removed 21 loads of brush from various areas of the island including colonia Electricistas park. They've also pruned & attended to the landscaping by the whale shark monument and between Punta Sur and the La Gloria cemetery, as well as the medians of Los Peces Avenue and Rueda Medina.
   The Public Lighting department worked in the neighborhoods of Salina Grande and downtown, installing a total of 130 LED lights, doing 380 repairs, and responding to 6 citizen reports.
 




 
 
Auditions will be held on Friday, Jan 28 at the Casa de la Cultura at 6pm for dancers who would like to be part of the Municipal Ballet. Registration for auditions is available at the Casa de la Cultura Mon-Fri 9a-4p. Requirement are listed on the graphic including age 16-30, basic knowledge of the listed types of dance, availability and appropriate clothing. 
 

 
 
Today (this morning)--    On Tuesday night's video, the Governor said that 98% of adult residents in Q Roo have received at least one dose of C-19 vaccine and 93% have been given both doses, making our state one of the most advanced in Mexico in vaccine coverage.
     Boosters have been administered to seniors (60+) and teachers in Isla Mujeres, which is ongoing around the state, in addition to providing vaccines for adolescents. They plan to announce the booster locations for the 50+ age group this next week.
     He said variants other than Omicron remain common in the state, particularly Delta, which tends to cause more serious symptoms than Omicron. He emphasized the importance of following the protocols and not letting down your guard, because we are close to going to Orange status. The state's daily total of New cases has exceeded 1000 on three (non-consecutive) days, which is the highest throughout the pandemic. Hospital occupancy has not risen in proportion with the increased number of cases, nor has the number of deaths. Statewide, hospital occupancy increased to 16%, from 12% last Tuesday.
     The state government obtained 15,000 rapid antigen tests and is currently providing free testing for residents with symptoms at Punta Cancun thru Jan. 29. This will be available in Cozumel and possibly at various hospitals and health centers, soon.
     This is the second week in Yellow status, and once again colonia La Gloria made the state's "Top Ten" list of colonias reporting the highest number of Active cases, moving up to 7th place (from 8th) with 13 active cases. The state Geoportal reports 34 Active cases on the island as: Centro-1, Salinas-3. Electristas-2, Meteorologico-2, ~Sac Bajo (col #5)-2, Caridad del Cobre-1, Miraflores-4, El Canotal-5, La Gloria-13, and Guadalupana-1. (Not all cases are in the official reports.)
     Tonight he'll announce the color status for next week (~9p) and publish the updated graphs for each municipality, which we'll share. We're reminded to follow protocols to reduce contagion: wear masks correctly, wash hands/use antibacterial gel frequently, get vaccinated, use healthy distancing, avoid crowds & keep spaces well ventilated.

Jan 17 --A large whale shark was videoed near Punta Sur. Many of them migrate to the region to feed from June thru September, but some also pass by at other times. You can see the paths of some who were tagged here: http://www.ghritracking.org/ 

Screenshots from video posted by Noti Isla Mujeres HERE  



Jan 14--

What's the official status of C-19 & what do the different colors mean?

     Although we departed 2021 in "Green" status on the state epidemiological "Semáforo", our Northern Zone's Contagion Rate increased significantly from 1.0 to 1.4, indicating cases were rising sharply, with each infected person infecting 1.4 others. The Governor increased testing, checkpoints, and awareness about areas of high contagion, as well as positioning 'Yellow Cap" volunteers in public areas to encourage compliance with protocols. Seniors got boosted & we were advised to avoid crowds. We watched the NYE fireworks & first sunrise from our homes. Schools didn't reopen & students resumed 'distance learning'.
    On Jan. 10th, both Zones of the state entered "Yellow" status, with capacities at restaurants and hotels reduced to 60%, bars closed, and hours for alcohol sales at restaurants and stores decreased. Cancun was reporting about 25 cases daily, officially (where nearly half the state's population lives, so it dominates the statistics).
    Last night, the Governor expressed concerns about moving toward Orange status because our Zone's Contagion Rate has hit 2.0, meaning each infected person is infecting two others, causing cases to climb. Cancun is reporting nearly 350 cases daily, which overshadows Delta's peak of nearly 250 and their previous peaks of around 50 cases daily. We remain in Yellow thru Jan. 23rd, at least. The good news is that hospitalizations and deaths remain low throughout the state.
     On Isla Mujeres, colonia La Gloria made the state's "Top Ten Colonias" with 11 active cases last week (ranked #8 statewide). Now La Gloria is reporting 13 active cases, of the 34 active cases on the island, officially.
     Here's how the capacities work in Yellow, Orange & Red:
Beaches are limited to 60% in Yellow, 30% in Orange and 15% in Red.
Restaurants & Hotels/Rentals are at 60% in Yellow, 50% in Orange and 15% in Red.
     In Yellow, alcohol sales hours are:
Restaurants: Mon-Sun 10a-11p, w permit-11p-1a
Stores: Mon-Sat 9a-10p, w permit 10p-12a; Sun 9a-5p
Bars, nightclubs, cantinas, discos, etc are closed except in Green.
      The full graphics and more information are here--https://reactivemosq.roo.gob.mx/actividades-economicas/
The first line gives the capacities for beaches, the fifth line has capacities for restaurants (in tables) and the last line is for taxis.

The fourth line says that bars, nightclubs, etc are closed except in green and the last line gives the capacities for hotels & other tourism rentals.


   This blog is brought to you by....

MaraVilla Caribe   Bed & Beach    Four rentals with large glass doors overlooking our white sand beach and the beautiful Caribbean sea, with  kitchenettes & fast WIFI. In the upscale neighborhood of  Bachilleres, convenient to downtown or the colonias, yet separate.  Quiet & Private.   
Free amenities include hammocks, portable beach chairs, beach towels, washer & dryer, loungers, shared bikes, BBQ grill, and safes.  Panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Large sliding doors open to a patio & the white sand backyard-beach, overlooking the Caribbean sea.  Downtown is  ~ a mile away; we're on all four bus routes or  flag a $3 taxi. Off street parking. In the quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres,  sleep to the sounds of the sea..  $275/$325/$425 wk   $40/50/$65nt  Monthly Discounts
Fine dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. We provide a list of links & direction to over 20 eateries within ten minutes walk, including Mango Cafe,  Mike's Pizza, Brisas, Rosa Sirena, Coco Jaguar, Manolitos, Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, and the large department store-grocery Chedraui & the local craft brewery.  Visit marinas, bars, & beach clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Attend Yoga classes a couple villas away at Casa Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks away in the village, as well as a variety of other stores.

 ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````

Sources for Weather Information:
LINK to Civil Protection Q Roo weather bulletin  (Spanish)
LINK to Mexico National Weather Service (Spanish)
 LINK to satellite images for the Mexico National Weather Service
 LINK to GOES East Band 16 GIF (animation)
LINK to a private weather station on Isla Mujeres

LINK to US National Hurricane Center 



 

 

 

Posted by at No comments:

Thursday, January 13, 2022

Isla Mujeres News & Events Thursday, January 13


 
~Please visit our sponsors~
email: info@mvcisla.com

 Sites we host:
Isla Mujeres News & Events on Facebook 

Isla Mujeres History on Facebook & Website  


      Our Northern Zone will remain in Yellow thru January 23rd, but the Governor warned that we are approaching Orange and everyone needs to adhere to the sanitary protocols. Our Zone's Contagion Rate is 2.0, which means each infected person is infecting two others and the curve is in ascension. However, our Zone is reporting very low levels of hospitalizations and deaths.
      The second graphic shows a breakdown of the percentages of C-19 variants in Quintana Roo, and the Governor predicted that Omicron will take the lead in upcoming weeks.
        Benito Juarez (Cancun), which strongly affects the graphic of the whole state, reached a record-breaking average of nearly 350 cases daily, which overshadows Delta's peak of nearly 250 and their previous peaks of around 50 cases daily. Solidaridad (Playa del Carmen) reached a very high 190 cases in one day, but their average is at 120 daily. Cozumel is experiencing a record-breaking average of 27 cases daily.









This afternoon (Thursday) ....It's been quite a while since one of the Isla Mujeres neighborhoods made the state's weekly Top Ten of colonias with highest number of Active Cases, but colonia La Gloria was #8 for last week, Jan 2-8, with 11 active cases (and growing).

The state Geoportal for today, Jan. 13 reports Active Cases by colonia as follows: La Gloria-13, Guadalupana-1, Colonia #5 (~Sac Bajo)-2, El Canotal-5, Miraflores-4, Caridad del Cobre-1, Meteorologico-2, Salinas-3, Electristas-2, and Centro-1 for a total of 34 active cases (officially) in Isla Mujeres. (Not all cases are in the official statistics).




Boosters for local educational personnel will be administered Monday, Jan 17 from 8a to 6p at the Naval Club. Residents who are age 40-59 can register for their booster on the mivacuna site. (Dates TBA). #3 is a graphic from the governor about mask efficacy.




Carnaval 2022 will be cancelled due to the accelerated upturn of positive cases of Covid-19 around the world and the government's mandate to take care of the people. in order to avoid exposing the inhabitants and tourists who visit during those dates to enjoy the celebration. The municipal Secretary General, Hugo Sanchez Montalvo, urged everyone not to lower their guard and to continue with the sanitary measures and recommendations made by the state Secretary of Health.


Jan 11 During the first 100 days of this municipal administration, sports areas were cleaned and 'rescued', which included the fútbol rápido soccer field in colonia Salinas and adding hoops to the La Jaula basketball court. The Plaza Bicentenario in colonia La Gloria is undergoing renovation, which is 80% complete, according to the municipal Director of Sports and Recreation, Marco Antonio Preciado Islas. He noted that with the state's epidemiological status in Yellow now, sports activities are suspended to avoid spreading C-19 among the populace, especially the young people who use these sports fields and courts.








It looks like the municipal government is going to start charging for residential trash collection at a rate of one peso per day, with a 10% discount if paid in a single payment during January thru March. (365 pesos minus 10% is 328.5 pesos/yr. That's ~$17usd, which is ~$1.45/mo. Businesses pay a higher rate, based on their type and size.)


Jan. 11--As of Friday, 142 lobster fishermen-divers have been treated in the decompression chamber, with one death, since the season began on July 1st. There are six weeks remaining to the lobster-catching season, which ends Feb. 28th.

      Although this is a high number, it is seven fewer than last season during the same period of time. The diver who passed away in September was a member of the Caribe cooperative, based in Puerto Juarez.
     Decompression illness, aka "the bends", can cause blood clots and permanent damage and dysfunction to muscles and nerves, including the spinal cord and brain. Experts estimate its occurrence is about 3 cases per 10,000 dives in sports divers and up to 10 cases per 10,000 dives in commercial divers, but our region appears to have a very high rate. 
     Its cause is gas bubbles, usually nitrogen, which can form when using compressed air and ascending from the depths too quickly. Contributing factors that increase risk include dehydration, high body fat, alcohol consumption, and previous injury. The number of local cases has increased since lobsters have become less plentiful and divers are spending spending longer periods underwater at deeper depths. 


    The five fishing cooperatives of Isla Mujeres have captured about 31 tons of lobster so far this season, compared to 50 tons reported at this time last year.
The lobster-catching season lasts eight months, from July 1st until the end of February. By October of this season, the coops had collected about 20 tons of whole lobsters and 1.5 tons of tails. However, in the last two months of the year and the first week of 2022, the five coops have only captured 5 tons of live lobsters and 4.5 tons of tails. (That's a total of 25 tons of whole and 6 tons of tails, so far. The    majority is exported.)
     The 2020-21 season ended with a total catch of 60 tons. The fishermen will need to catch 29 more tons in the next six weeks, nearly doubling their catch, to reach last season's total.


      An article by Cambio22 reports that the stolen boat that brought eight Cuban refugees to Isla Mujeres in December has been destroyed by the sea. The boat "Albacora" was owned by Cuban fishermen Josmer Castellanos Alvarez, who said it was taken without his permission. The eight Cubans, who included one pregnant woman, were arrested by municipal police who turned them over to Naval personnel until they were taken into custody by Immigration officials. 

Today the state Semaforo entered Yellow status, causing SEFIPLAN to modify the sales hours for alcoholic beverages. Restaurants may sell them during regular hours of 10a to 11p Monday thru Sunday, and those with permits for extra hours may also sell from 11p to 1a. Stores selling package liquor, such as convenience stores, grocery stores and minisupers may sell alcohol Monday thru Saturday from 9a to 10p and those with permits for extra hours may also sell from 10p to midnight. On Sundays, stores may sell during the regular hours of 9a to 5p. Bars, nightclubs discos and cantinas are closed in Yellow.

The growth rate of cases in our Northern Zone is 0.64 and hospital occupancy is 10%.
 
 



Jan. 10  The Governor advises Quintanarroenses that tomorrow/Tuesday Cold Front #21 will be causing rain, wind, lightning, and lower temperatures around the state. The squiggles in our area indicate wind, while the circles indicate more rain is expected in the southern part of the state & Peninsula


Isla Mujeres al Momento reports a total of 16 employees tested positive during the first week of 2022 at the Isla Mujeres Community Hospital, including nurses, doctors and administrators. The document is from the hospital Director, requiring a checkpoint for hospital staff at the building entrance to detect anyone with symptoms, who will be given a PCR test.

The article says the situation is complicated by low pressure for the tap water, making it difficult for patients and staff to meet the frequent handwashing protocols. Union administrators are submitting a request to SESA to hire a private service for frequent disinfection of all areas of the hospital, saying there is insufficient staff available.
In-person group meetings have been discontinued, and a capacity-limit of three has been set for the dining room. Union leaders say it is important to resume measures that were implemented at the beginning of the pandemic, which included a special access area for suspected C-19 cases and separate entry areas.
 
Approval has been granted for the use of the oral medication molnupiravir for emergency use to treat Covid-19 patients with mild to moderate cases, and increased risks for complications. A prescription is required, and the Commission emphasized that this treatment should not be used unless medically indicated, and it is not a substitute for vaccination.
The head of COFEPRIS (Federal Commission for Protection Against Sanitary Risks), Alejandro Svarch Perez, noted that Mexico is one of the first countries to authorize the drug. He said, "This approval is being issued in record time, since health regulatory agencies around the world have scientific evidence which allows us to evaluate this oral therapeutic option as safe and effective, which will reduce hospitalizations due to Covid 19."

Jan. 8  Today, tomorrow & Monday, teens 15-17 can receive their second Pfizer vaccine. On Wed., Jan 12, first doses of Pfizer C-19 vaccine will be administered to those turning 15 in 2022.



   This blog is brought to you by....

MaraVilla Caribe   Bed & Beach    Four rentals with large glass doors overlooking our white sand beach and the beautiful Caribbean sea, with  kitchenettes & fast WIFI. In the upscale neighborhood of  Bachilleres, convenient to downtown or the colonias, yet separate.  Quiet & Private.   
Free amenities include hammocks, portable beach chairs, beach towels, washer & dryer, loungers, shared bikes, BBQ grill, and safes.  Panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Large sliding doors open to a patio & the white sand backyard-beach, overlooking the Caribbean sea.  Downtown is  ~ a mile away; we're on all four bus routes or  flag a $3 taxi. Off street parking. In the quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres,  sleep to the sounds of the sea..  $275/$325/$425 wk   $40/50/$65nt  Monthly Discounts
Fine dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. We provide a list of links & direction to over 20 eateries within ten minutes walk, including Mango Cafe,  Mike's Pizza, Brisas, Rosa Sirena, Coco Jaguar, Manolitos, Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, and the large department store-grocery Chedraui & the local craft brewery.  Visit marinas, bars, & beach clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Attend Yoga classes a couple villas away at Casa Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks away in the village, as well as a variety of other stores.

 ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````

Sources for Weather Information:
LINK to Civil Protection Q Roo weather bulletin  (Spanish)
LINK to Mexico National Weather Service (Spanish)
 LINK to satellite images for the Mexico National Weather Service
 LINK to GOES East Band 16 GIF (animation)
LINK to a private weather station on Isla Mujeres

LINK to US National Hurricane Center 



 

 

 

Posted by at No comments:
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