Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Tuesday, May 5



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Predawn this morning (Tuesday) was rosy, but looked more orange thru the camera.

Monday--
Isla Mujeres remains at six cases, of which five are active and one is recovered.
On May 4, Quintana Roo reports 923 positive cases with 121 deaths, 122 under study, 439 recuperated, 210 hospitalized, and 162 in social isolation. Cancun reports 696 cases, 84 deaths, and 341 recuperated. .

 Graphic #2- In ten days, Cancun's total cases increased from 407 to 696, an increase of 289 cases
 Graphic #3-Cancun's daily cases over the past ten days when the most in one day was 47 and the least was 8.
The Data-Cancun Cases & Daily Increases
Monday--
COVID-19: CANCUN & ISLA MUJERES
     The state's first reported case of Covid-19 was on Friday, March 13 in Cancun. There is now a total of 688 cases & 83 deaths in Cancun, in the midst of Week 8, which began Friday, May 1st.
Friday was also when the federal experts estimated Cancun's peak as April 30th, but the state Secretary of Health said the curve had not yet begun to downturn for the city.
     Before last week, Isla Mujeres had one recovered case, but with four more cases last week and another yesterday, there are now five active cases, for a total of six in the municipality.

Graphic #1 is Cancun's Total Cases, increasing to nearly 600 in 7 weeks.
Week 1: Total =1 First case 3/13
End Week 2: Total =23
End Week 3: Total =38
End Week 4 Total=111
End Week 5 Total=200
End Week 6 Total=343
End Week 7 Total=597
Week 8 ...619,666,688,..in process.




 #2 is Cancun's Cases Each Week, with 22 during the second week, increasing to 254 during Week 7.
 Week 1: +1 First case March 13 (1)
Week 2: +22 cases
Week 3: +15 cases
Week 4 +73 cases
Week 5 +89 cases
Week 6 +143 cases
Week 7 +254 cases
Totaling to 597 cases at the end of Wk 7.
(Yesterday the total was 688 on day 3 of Wk 8)

#3 is Cancun's Total Deaths from the first death in Week 5 to 80 by the end of Week 7. 
 Cancun's Total Deaths
End Week 4=0
End Week 5=15
End Week 6=38
End Week 7=80
(Week 8 in process..82,82,83,....)


#4 is Cancun's Deaths Each Week,
Week 5 +15
Week 6 +23
Week 7 +42
For a total of 80
Week 8 in process +3 so far.





#5 is Isla Mujeres Total Cases
Week 4 First case (4/24)
Week 5 No change
Week 6 No change (recovered)
Week 7 Four new cases
For a total of 5
Week 8 in process with 1 new case so far.


#6 is Isla Mujeres New Cases Each Week
Week 4-One case
Week 7-Four cases
For a total of 5 cases
Week 8 in process with +1 so far



#7 is the data

Rosa Sirena's restaurant provided 200 meals for Islanders.
When you return to the isle, don't forget all the generous businesses who helped feed their neighbors...who include Ruben's Restaurant isla mujeres, Cockteleria Mininos II, Cocteleria Pícus, & Yadis De La Torre, as well as Rosa Sirena's Restaurant & Rooftop Palapa Bar.....and the little yellow school house! Thank you!!
Their post on May 2nd says....
A huge thank you to “Tio” Victor Montañaz Chan & Kenlly Leon today for helping us prepare and deliver ‘Potaje de Lentejas’ to 200+ people. In addition, mil gracias to Isla Brewing Co. for lending us their giant pot to help get the job done! And to Bio Green Blue for providing the biodegradable to go containers.
Potaje de Lentejas is a thick & hearty lentil stew very popular in this region of Mexico. For this stew we used lentils, potatoes, peppers, carrots, pumpkin, squash, & pork. Plus, we added onions, garlic, oregano, cumin, bay leaves and Mayan achiote for flavoring.
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Sunday--
     Isla Mujeres now has a total of six reported cases of Covid-19, with one recovered, five active.
The first case was reported on March 26 & as recovered on Monday, April 18. Six days after the recovery of that case, another active case was reported on Tues, April 24th. There were two more on the 29th, one the 30th & another today.
That's four cases in the past five days, plus one from April 24th and the recovered one, for a total of six. 

     On May 3, Quintana Roo reports 911 positive cases with 120 deaths, 80 under study, 436 recuperated, 195 hospitalized and 160 in social isolation. Benito Juarez (Cancun) reports 688 positives, 83 deaths and 339 recuperated.
The first tent-mobile hospital unit for overflow Covid-19 patients outside the General Hospital in Cancun has been constructed (#2). Two more are planned for a total of 250 beds. There are a total of 13 (general care) beds at the Isla Mujeres Community Hospital for all patients, with two non-Covid patients admissions according to an interview published May 1st in Por Esto.






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 Saturday--
 On May 2, Quintana Roo reports a total of 888 positive cases of Covid-19 with 118 deaths, 431 recuperated, 187 hospitalized and 152 in social isolation. Benito Juarez (Cancun) reports 666 positives, 82 deaths and 335 recuperated. Isla Mujeres remains unchanged with a total of 5 reported cases, of which one is recuperated and 4 are active.
Week 8 began yesterday, with cases more than tripled and deaths nearly quadrupled during the two weeks since the start of Week 6...and Isla's cases increased from one to five (one has recuperated).





Federal health officials say they "See light at the end of the tunnel for Cancun"
At Friday's Covid-19 press conference at the National Palace, Undersecretary of Health Dr. Hugo López-Gatell said Cancun should come out of the epidemic soon. The Ministry of Health predicted the highest peak of infections would be registered on April 30, and the number of infections should begin decreasing after that date.
Dr. Lopez-Gatell spoke with the Quintana Roo Secretary of Health, Alejandra Aguirre Crespo, who said the data hasn't yet shown the inflection point (where the curve changes direction), but there is a lower influx of patients with Covid-19 in the Cancun hospitals.
He said that although Cancun could come out of the epidemic soon, as the cases gradually decrease, he emphasized that this will only occur if the healthy distance measures are respected, as well as the recommendations of the state and federal authorities of not resuming work nor returning to classes earlier than expected, otherwise the disease could flare up again.


#1 Predicts Cancun's ICU (Intensive Care Unit) Demand. The dates at the bottom begin with March 17 (17/03) thru July 21st and red line is the median. The text says: In decreasing phase / Peak-Accumulated beds: 63 /Available (April 30): 98. The right side says "Per 100,000 inhabitants" and the left is the number of cases. It's from the press conference.




#2 is a Summary from the daily reports by the Q.Roo Health Department & here's my analysis:
QROO: Ratio of Recovered Patients
Start Week 5: One in four (40 recovered of 163 total cases)
Start Week 6: One in four (69 of 280)
Start Week 7: One in ~three (161 of 511)
Start Week 8: One in two (431 of 888)
CANCUN: Ratio of Recovered Patients
Mid-Week 6, one in ~five (48 recovered of 229 total cases)
Start Week 7, one in ~three and a half (110 of 378)
Start of Week 8, one in two (335 of 666)
Cases in CANCUN have quadrupled in the past 20 days, tripled in the past two weeks and increased 62%. in the past week. The STATE rates are similar, quadrupled in the past three weeks, tripled in past 15 days, and increased 61% the past week.



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 Governor Carlos Joaquín explained that we are not done nor is it the time to say "we are going to go out tomorrow" because, to the contrary, we would have a rebound, a larger number of cases, a situation in which we put our vulnerable groups at greater risk






 Intensified preventative actions in Isla Mujeres to fight the coronavirus
   Precautionary measures have intensified in Isla Mujeres, due to the current Phase Three of the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing the City government, led by Juan Carrillo Soberanis, to redouble efforts to face the disease and safeguard the integrity of the islanders.
   The municipal Department of Public Security and Traffic has increased actions, with the strict banning of meetings in public and private places including "banquetera" meetings, as well as all "esparcimiento" activities (diversion/amusement/recreation).
   Due to the latent risk of the health situation, the municipal Department of Fiscalizacion has established that all staff and customers must wear face masks, and clients won't be allowed to enter the business if they don't follow this hygiene measure recommended by the health authorities. The supermercados must sanitize the cashier counters at least every two hours and the carts between every use.
  Municipal authorities toured the businesses, informing the owners of the new rules, who are putting up signs about the face mask requirement.
  These measures have been implemented by the City to slow down the spread of the disease in the municipality, therefore random checkpoints continue in coordination between the personnel of Civil Protection and the Firefighters and the municipal police, who invite the population to stay in their homes and only leave to carry out essential activities.
   The Director of Public Transportation has informed the general public bus service is temporarily suspended on Saturdays and Sundays, with the objective of avoiding congregating, while the regular schedule will continue Monday thru Friday.
   The staff of the Department of Urban Development will continue touring the municipality to verify that no works are taking place since all types of construction have been suspended during the contingency, and closures will occur to those who don't comply.
    Personnel with the ZOFEMAT (Federal Zone) agency, Civil Protection and the municipal Police have intensified surveillance of the beaches, on the island and in the Continental Zone, with the aim of avoiding the passage of tourists and locals, in the face of the health situation generated by Covid-19.
   With these types of actions, the municipal government is working to mitigate the coronavirus disease and reiterates its commitment to ensure the public health of island families, especially in the current Phase Three of the pandemic.


Stay at home, avoid going out if it isn't urgent.
Avoid rumors. Official sources of communication are the best choices for information in this coronavirus pandemic. ~State Secretary of Health


     DIF (social service agency) Director Yuseli López Tec said 623 families have benefited from the distribution of food packages ('pantries') of which 317 were made with products from Chedraui and 306 were donations from Hotel Beló, however, both in the island and the Continental Zone 1000 vulnerable people have benefited from pantries and perishable foods such as pastries, yogurt, fruits and vegetables.
  The DIF Director said there is a collection table at the Chedraui store available when the store is open for people who wish to donate and the DIF staff is assembling and delivering the pantries to the homes of those who need help the most. 
  At the DIF facilities and the Community Development Centers on the island and in the Continental Zone, Monday thru Friday 10a-1p there is a table with donations from Chedraui such as bread, fruit, produce and yogurt which is available to those in need.
   The Director said this is a joint effort and they donate the product and the DIF staff are responsible for collecting it, verifying that it is in good condition, and bringing it to the food assistance table sot that those who need it can take it. They also document if any family requests more food because they are at risk, and they are assisted.
    She concluded by saying that during this contingency there is immediate telephone attention available from the Procurator for the Protection of Children, Children, Adolescents and the Family to attend any calls for help from people at risk, at the hotline 998 375 3046. 

   La Tertulia  

    Unfortunately, early Sunday morning Jabert Borges Quiñones lost his life in an accident on Devil's Curve, and "Carlos N." was taken to Cancun with severe injuries. The driver, "Eduardo N.D." was reportedly taken into custody, who apparently lost control of the Polaris vehicle and it flipped onto its side.
Mr. Borges Quiñones was a beloved member of the community who worked for the municipal DIF, social service agency. Condolences to his family and friends.

    La Terulia published photos and a document with an article alleging that a patient passed away at the Community Hospital and the body was taken to Cancun by Naval personnel using Personal Protective Equipment and precautions because it is believed the patient had Covid-19. In the comments, friends and family of the deceased say he was elderly and ill with diabetes and cardiac problems, and they believe those caused his death. Other comments advise avoiding rumors and only getting information from official sources. The document lists the preliminary cause of death as viral pneumonia, Covid-19, and below under significant pathologies it says hypertension and diabetes.

Governor: We are reaching the peak of the epidemic. It's good news that we have enough capacity in our hospitals
IM Noticias
Monday--IM Noticias reports the sighting of a whale shark, in the whale shark observation area, by fishermen as they were heading back to the island at the end of the day. It is noted that the whale shark observation season occurs annually from May 15 to mid-September.
Isla Mujeres al Momento
VIDEO of Police Chief Jaime Ongay saying the rumor is false that police officers are traveling back and forth on the ferry to Cancun daily.

From  Por Esto :

May 2--The Director of the Tortugranja, Daline García, said that although the turtle protection season official begins on May 15th, personnel began monitoring the beaches a week ago. No eggs have been rescued yet, but they have seen signs of attempted nesting by three turtles of the  hawksbill and loggerhead species. The other species that nest on the island are the green turtles.
       The incubation area at the facility has been prepared and they are ready to transfer any eggs there for protect  ion. The municipal police and personnel with the Navy and National Guard participate in the patrols.
    The Director mentioned that the Tortugranja is not open to the public and has no date yet when that will occur. The facility closed in mid-March. The season for protecting the turtles concludes on October 15th. Last year there was a record breaking number of releases of approximately 130,000 hatchlings from about 1600 nests, and this year less that fifty percent of that number are expected. The turtles nest on about a dozen beaches during the night. Due to the health contingency, registration of volunteers was suspended.
    May is dedicated to raising awareness of the general public about the importance of sea turtle conservation, in coordination with the Isla Mujeres Ecology Department and the Secretary of Ecology and Environment (SEMA) of Quintana Roo, who publish information on social networks, as part of the “Sea Turtle Month” program LINK  

The municipal Police prevented an invasion of a private property in Punta Sur, Isla Mujeres, as part of a protection measure requested by the Attorney General of Quintana Roo. In the operation two alleged perpetrators were arrested, according to Police Chief Jaime Ongay.
   The official shared a copy of the investigation document of the FGE (state Attorney General's office/  Fiscalía General) which was opened after the first invasion attempt on April 23rd. The police chief commented on the altercation involving a female police officer, noting that a warning was issued to the officer. He said, "The police officer slapped the person who recorded the operation with a cell phone, which was excessive and she was punished by her boss, but the intervention is legal, they acted according to the procedure, and the crime of dispossession and violation of restriction was established by the Prosecutor's Office.”
     The agents intervened to prevent the occupation of the property of the "Esmeralda" property, located at lot 5, manzana 37, supermanzana 9, in the Mar Turquesa subdivision, at Punta Sur, in response to a report to the 911 emergency telephone number.
        The prosecutor's office requested the help of the police based on the first attempt on the afternoon of April 23 at 2:20pm when a group of five people armed with metal tubes and sticks entered the interior of the property, shouting: "We have come to invade this place, so you better get out before the #### takes you away," according to attorney Mario Alberto Palma Pech. LINK 


The few fishermen who are going out to catch seafood for local consumption report seeming sea trutels and dolphins in the fishing areas and closer to the coast of Isla Mujeres, which they attribute to the reduced activity due to confinement associated with the health contingency. Currently, mating green turtles can be seen at Punta Sur, particularly with binoculars, which is common at this time of year, but the area is currently restricted.  The interviewed fishermen think there are more abundant numbers of turtles this year and commented on the sighting of dolphins near the cliffs, noting they were 'accompanied' by three dolphins as they approached Punta Sur.  It is noted that Isla Contoy is also closed, since March 23rd, and theoretically may open on June 1st. Meanwhile the island is in its "greatest recovery" without the stress of the daily presence of 200 visitors. It is noted that nests of the Hawksbill turtles are more common on Isla Contoy, and will be protected, while low numbers occur on Isla Mujeres. LINK  

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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, La Chatita, 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.
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Full moon rising over the Caribbean 
 Just after Sunset--May 7  7:46 (sets 7:15p)
    May 8      8:51  
May 9      9:55
May 10   10:55
May 11    11:50

 Sunset  7:12-7:25pm (beginning vs end of month)
Sunrise  6:16--6:05am
Painting by Pamela Haase at MVC
Turtles begin mating and nesting in May. They can be observed mating offshore from Punta Sur during this month, and they nest along the eastern beaches. Tortugranja staff and volunteers gather the eggs and incubate them in the sand in a pen outside the facility. The Protection season officially begins May 15, but Tortugranja staff usually begin checking for nests at the beginning of the month. Three species nest annually in Isla Mujeres, Greens, Loggerheads, and Hawksbills, and very rarely, a Leatherback will attempt to nest, but generally the sand isn't sufficiently deep.

The season for swimming with the whale sharks normally begins on May 15th, which ends annually in mid-September. They congregate and feed on a 'buffet' of plankton and fish eggs from a type of tuna. Rays are also attracted to the feeding areas.  Photos by Tony Garcia

The Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks before dawn on May 5th, but can be seen during the early hours (starting ~3a nightly) from mid-April thru mid-May. The longest "windows" to see them as they near peaking are the wee hours Friday & Saturday nights, May 1st & 2nd (which are the mornings of Sat & Sun). They peak as the moon is approaching fullness. On May 5th it sets at 4:55a, so will be low on the western horizon, while the radiant point is in the east. You don't need to focus on the radiant, because you may miss the meteors that create the longest bright streaks flying across the sky. This shower is caused by debris from Halley's comet. 

During May, the climate changes 
 Although May is the hottest month in the neighboring state of Yucatan, here on the coast, the hottest months begin in June. In May the "Perceived Temperature" (thin line above the others) begins to rise, as the humidity increases and the rainy season begins as the month progresses. We've been in dry season since November-December, and late April & early May are when firefighters are busy across the Peninsula fighting brush fires. There are ~13+ hours of daylight in May & humidity increases from 92% to 99% as the month progresses. Water temperatures are 81-82 degrees. 


Source: Weather Spark
Source: Weather Spark
Source: Climates to Travel
A wet day is one with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. In Cancún, the chance of a wet day over the course of May is very rapidly increasing, starting the month at 14% and ending it at 36%.
For reference, the year's highest daily chance of a wet day is 52% on September 27, and its lowest chance is 12% on March 22.   Source: Weather Spark
Source: Weather Spark
 
Source: Weather Spark

Friday, May 1  Labor Day  Official Holiday with offices closed. 

May 3 Dia de la Cruz, a holiday celebrated by construction workers in Mexico, and is associated with St Helena (Elena in Spanish). Normally, crosses are placed atop construction projects, and crews take a break to pray and eat together, with food & drink supplied by the owner.


May 5  "Cinco de Mayo" Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla against the French in 1862.
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May 10 Mother's Day

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

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