 |
| Here's the webcam LINK, which also has time lapse of the past 24 hours. |
Join the 11,000 followers of Isla Mujeres News & Events on Facebook for more photos, videos, events & updates
SCROLL DOWN FOR THIS MONTH'S EVENTS SCHEDULE!
~Please visit our sponsors~
or at www.mvcisla.com
email: info@mvcisla.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Mayor and the state Secretary of Health have confirmed the first positive case of Covid-19 in Isla Mujeres, in a young person with mild symptoms who is at home in social isolation, as are the contacts. The Mayor says that now is the time to strengthen measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus. "We cannot let our guard down, none of us are exempt from being infected. We are about to start Phase 3, which is the period of most contagion. It is time to redouble our efforts and follow the recommendations to stay home and take care of yourself and your family."
The Secretary of Health explains that the patient's name and personal information are not being released for security reasons. She reviews the measures to reduce the spread of Covid-19--Maintain social distance, voluntary isolation at home, frequent hand washing, protection if coughing or sneezing, use of gel with alcohol, avoid congregating or social events. She warns against false reports and rumors & advises following official sources. She emphasized that staying home is the most efficient method to avoid contagion and having more cases.
The graphic says: In the state of Quintana Roo, as of 6p on April 3, Covid-19 lab results are: 185 Negative cases, 72 under study, 68 positives, one death and 3 recuperated. There are ten patients hospitalized and 54 in social isolation. Their distribution is: 45 in Benito Juarez (Cancun), 13 is Solidaridad (Playa del Carmen), 4 in Cozumel, 2 each in Tulum and OTB (Chetumal) and 1 each in Isla Mujeres and Bacalar. You are reminded to Stay At Home.
TV Isla Mujeres reports the coronavirus patient in Isla Mujeres is a 33 year old male who lives on the island. Mayor's screenshot from La Tertulia
From the City....
The government is encouraging inhabitants to return to their homes at checkpoints in various locations in Isla Mujeres, which are staffed with personnel from the municipal police force and the Department of Civil Protection and Firefighters. They are inviting those who are still going out in the streets to stay in their homes unless they are doing something urgent or very necessary. The checkpoints will be at unannounced locations and strategic points to urge people to return home and not expose themselves or their families. "With these measures, we're facing Covid-19 together."
Various measures have been implemented in recent weeks in accordance with health recommendations for the prevention of the spread of Covid-19
The Mayor met with the manager of Aguakan and they agreed there will be no turning off of water service during this contingency in the municipality of Isla Mujeres. The Mayor said the municipal government will continue to work in a coordinated manner with the company, and he emphasized that the citizenry must take the necessary measure to deal with Covid-19, so that we can move ahead soon. "This is why there is no need to leave your homes. Stay inside and take care of yourself and your families."
The "Secure Business" program continues, which uses QR codes in coordination with the daily police patrols to businesses to reduce crime. Coordinated by the Crime Prevention division, six to eight visits per day are carried out to various establishments, in a strategic manner that allows wide coverage and is beneficial for various commercial sectors and services.
From the DIF social service agency, made house-to-house deliveries to 30 single mothers of food donated by Chedraui which included pastries, yogurt, and bread.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From the State:
VIDEO from the Governor:
Governor Carlos Joaquin emphasized the importance of staying home during this Health Emergency & how the government plans to ensure that families have food, utilities, and health care, while they remain inside to reduce the number of deaths and abate the spread of Covid-19.
He says...On March 31st a National Health Emergency was declared with the recommendation "Stay at Home" to abate the contagion of the Coronavirus in all of Mexico. Staying at home is the principle thing that must be done. He emphasizes and repeats this. He understands that it is not easy to spend a long time at home, that there are many debts and necessities to attend to, but if everyone stays at home, we can abate the virus quickly, for the tranquility of families, doing this together. He says the government will be here for you during this time, with five actions:
1. So that you can stay in your house, the government is here for you and there will be no cutting of your services for water, and immediate payments won't be required. There will be arrangements for discounts, extensions, and deferred payments, for everyone and for those with the most need there will be attention, attending to more than 500,000 households in the state.
2. So that you can stay in your house, the state government is here for you and there will be no cutting of electrical services. If you can't pay, there will be an extension with deferral of payment. The state has signed a special agreement with the CFE to pay half of the two month amount for more than 467,000 households, and these households will receive a discounted rate for 250 kilowatt/hours, who represent about 78% of the consumers in the state.
3. So that you can stay in your house, the government is here for you, and will ensure there that the propane companies maintain a sufficient supply and schedule. We will help with 4 kilos of gas in the month of April, for the 400,000 families who are in the most need.
4. So that you will stay in your house, the government is here with you to ensure there is food on your table. We will ensure there are supplies in the stores, markets, tortillerias, pharmacies, that they remain open, and that the purified water companies continue providing home delivery. For those who live in poverty, with coordination with local governments, we will provide food house by house, to address those who have lost their jobs or have no income, at more than 500,000 homes.
5. While you are staying at home, the government is here for you, to care for the physical health of your whole family at home, by continuing to provide these two at-home programs: Health Caravans and Direct Online Consultations. If you need the presence of a doctor or to go to the hospital, the health system is prepared to provide care. For mental health, there is a network of more than 200 psychologists and other disciplines, who are ready to serve you with availability around the clock at 911, if you have anxiety, anguish or depression. If you need to go to a health center, clinic or hospital, they are ready. The network is also ready with specialists to provide assistance to victims of domestic violence, and is prepared to provide immediate attention, around the clock. Don't tolerate abuse or mistreatment of children, youths or women. Let me be perfectly clear, aggressors will pay. To attend to your emotional health, every day there are free options...artistic, sport-oriented, & educational, & he talks a little about this. He said that companies who provide services of internet, cell phones and pay TV have responded agreeably concerning being flexible about not cutting services during this contingency. Regarding the authorities in Animal Health, there will be availability by phone if you need attention for your pets.
He reiterates that the government is here for you while you stay in your homes. For the tranquility of your family, the government is addressing these necessities of water, electricity, propane, food, and health services. It is necessary to contain the speed of the spread of contagion. It is key that you reduce your going out to rapidly reduce the number of patients. Above all, it could cut the number of deaths in half. If you're going out when it isn't necessary, you are part of the problem of spreading this disease. If you stay at home, you are part of the solution against this and you are saving lives. Together we'll move forward.
They touch on the issues the loss of tourism and cancellation of flights, the economic impact & the spread of this disease in other countries, including the main sources of tourism, the US & Canada, who are closed due to Covid-19. He says but during this time, we have a solution to reduce the spread and mortality of this disease with simple measures, especially staying at home.
They talk about food assistance for 500,000 who have lost their income or jobs & live in the colonias, going house to house. This will begin on Monday, April 6, in all eleven municipalities, seeking those with the most need, with total coverage, in coordination with the municipalities. They are also coordinating with the police and military, who will assist.
The house-to-house protocols will be without contact. They will knock on your door, with identification. Protocols include not coming out of your house, the dispensa (box or bag of groceries) will be placed at the house entrance, the interview will be recorded, and this operation will be coordinated with the police and military.
He talks about assistance for those with labor complaints for the unemployed and helping them, and the government working with the companies against unemployment. About private sector having food banks and their programs & providing meals, etc. About addressing concerns about economic issues among families.
They return to the issue of staying at home and avoiding contact, and about the governments working together to reach 500,000 homes and help.
They talk for another hour or so.
Preceding the Governor's speech and interview were graphics and infomercials, some of which I've already translated, and one in Maya about hand washing. There's also video of the drone squadron, with a couple shown in this photo. In addition to providing security video, they were used for public education purposes, flying around carrying signs that say "Stay At Home" in Spanish. Quedate En Casa! Save Lives!
>>IN COZUMEL--On social media, the Mayor of Cozumel, Pedro Joaquín Delbouis, announced more drastic measures will be implemented in support of the Stay At Home/ Quedate En Casa recommendations, which include the suspension of public transport service, the prohibition of passengers on motorcycles or scooters (driver only) and the closure of beaches and shops. He said, "As of today, we have decided to penalize people who ride a motorcycle with passengers, in order to continue strengthening "Stay At Home" and to convince people to remain in their homes, reducing movement in the streets, and thus stopping the virus."
He emphasized that his government continues working in three main areas; protecting health, providing greater security, and providing food security for the families of Cozumel, as announced by the Governor. They will work in coordination with the state government and military personnel to deliver food dispensas house by house starting at 9am this next week.
He said he has allocated half of his salary for social issues, and he will buy more dispensas for food support, noting that other officials in his administration have joined this effort, and he encourages various sectors of the population, who have this within their means, to join in this cause.
He said his administration is focused on health and is supporting the public and private hospitals with various supplies, including triple-fold masks, among others. He said security is being maintained with increased patrols around the island and ensuring that people are not circulating in Cozumel, unless it is for an essential purpose. He noted that the Cozumel airport is not receiving regular flights and the ferries are keeping crossings to a minimum, both of which help reduce the movement of people around the island.
He said that these measures will strengthen the actions and the call for social responsibility that has been implemented for two weeks. He emphasized, "We are facing a global pandemic and we have to abide by these security and sanitary provisions to safeguard the health and well-being of the inhabitants of Cozumel." LINK
VIDEO of Mayor explaining that his government is working in coordination with the Governor with the house to house food delivery, which will begin this next week. He talks about the discounts and extensions of municipal fees, licenses, etc. He talks about how utilities won't be suspended during this contingency and the importance of staying in your home. This will be reinforced with checkpoints and patrols by municipal police and personnel with the Department of Civil Protection, advising people to return to their homes, except for essential, urgent needs. He reviews how islanders are people who have been thru many trials, hurricanes, etc and are strong people with faith, who can unite in these difficult times and stay at home. It is very very important to stay at home, and the government is here to help.
VIDEO of checkpoint near the Naval Hospital, where personnel with Civil Protection are advising people they are not supposed to be in the streets and inviting them to stay in their homes. The reporter notes that they are supported by municipal police and national guard and he talks about how people should not be leaving their homes unless it is extremely important.
VIDEO-A quick view of Hidalgo & the Town Square area yesterday, in the heart of downtown. More and more islanders are staying in their homes to avoid the spread of Covid-19.
It says~ This is what the Isla Mujeres Maritime Terminal looked like all day yesterday (Thursday), with Civil Protection abating visitors who arrived there.
Photos by Tony Garcia, posted April 2nd THANKS!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
.jpg) |
A large slider
opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table
& chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole,
and the outdoor shower is out of the pic at left.    |
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.
```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Full moon rising over the Caribbean
 |
| At Sunset--April 7 6:54p (sets 7:04p) April 8 7:59 April 9 9:04 April 10 10:08 April 11 11:11 Sunset 7:02-7:12pm (beginning vs end of month) Sunrise 6:40--6:17am Painting by Pamela Haase at MVC
LYRID METEOR SHOWER
|
The "shooting stars" will be more frequent in the pre-dawn hours, when the radiant point is highest in the sky. Look over the Caribbean, toward the northeastern horizon, but don't worry if you don't identify the radiant point (near the star Vega)--they can be seen in all parts of the night sky. (The radiant point is where they appear to originate.)
Watch in the pre-dawn hours of April 20, 21 & 22 (Mon-Wed). They'll peak in the pre-dawn hours of Wednesday, April 22. There may be some early on Thursday. You can also see three planets in the pre-dawn sky--Jupiter, Saturn & Mars, in the southeast.
There are records of this shower that go back some 2700 years, when the Chinese are said to have observed the Lyrid meteors "falling like rain" in 687 BC. The Lyrids are known for their occasional "outbursts", and observers have seen around 100 per hour in the US (1982), Japan (1945), and Greece (1922), with no predictions for this occurring this year.
The meteors are the debris of a comet (Thatcher) that takes 415 years to orbit the sun. They burn up in our atmosphere, about 60 miles up, while the star Vega is just a reference point and unconnected--it's trillions of times farther away.
HERE is an interactive sky map showing the position of the radiant (where the meteors appear to originate) in the sky above Isla Mujeres throughout the night & predawn. (Scroll forward to 10p+ when the radiant & Vega begin rising here.) You can change the date & location.
The Events section will resume when there are public events scheduled.
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
BUS INFORMATION
The buses operate from 6a to 10p. The overhead digital display indicates whether they're going to the Tourism areas or the Colonias.The bus numbers don't indicate the route, they're numbered 1 thru 10.
The main downtown stops are just south of the Maritime (Ultramar) Terminal & across the street from it. In Centro, the buses stay on Medina, except they turn around near the Convention Center, behind the downtown Mercado. Outside of town, there are no designated stops & you flag them. Exit thru the back door, first pushing the red button nearby so the driver knows to stop.
Pay the driver 38 pesos/$2usd (or $9/175p for an all day pass). The front seats are for seniors, disabled & pregnant women. The 32 passenger buses have air conditioning & security cameras. (State residents pay 10p, INAPAM card holders & local students pay 5p.) LINK to bus company page on FB.
COLONIA ROUTES-1 & 2Route 1 goes down the western side on Rueda Medina and returns northward on the east side via Jesus Martinez Ross. Its west-east transit is Paseo de los Peces in colonia La Gloria.
Route 2 goes down the eastern side on Jesus Martinez Ross and returns northward on the west side via Medina. Its east-west transit is also Paseo Peces.
Routes #1 & #2 aren't exact opposites.
#1 takes J.M. Ross northward all the way from Peces to downtown, traveling thru Salina Chica,
#2 going southward turns left/east just before Salina Chica, leaving JM Ross & taking the Caribe Coastal road thru Meteorologico. I've heard it turns right/west back into the colonias by Madera Food & Art.
TOURISM ROUTES-3 & 4
Now the company advises riding #3 to Sac Bajo and #4 to Punta Sur.
Route 3 goes to Sac Bajo, down the western side of the isle on Medina.
(It was originally advertised as also going to Punta Sur. Then they said it only went to P.S. when that was the destination of passengers aboard, and otherwise after routing thru Sac Bajo it turned east on Paseo Peces & returned via the Caribbean Coastal road, Payo Obispo.)
Route 4 goes to Punta Sur & Garrafon down east side on the Caribbean Coastal road and returning northward on Medina to town.
 | ||
| This isn't a bus route map, it's a street map, showing how Jesus Martinez Ross follows the Caribbean coast until becoming the main street of Salina Chica and going on to La Gloria, while the Caribe Coastal road (aka Payo Obispo) follows the coast. The east-west transit, Paseo de los Peces, is shown, but not labeled, between colonia La Gloria and the Mundaca Hacienda. |
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.