The entire state remains in Yellow next week, Nov 16-22, on the state epidemiological light.
Tomorrow will be Friday the 13th, which has some historical significance. Eight months ago, on Friday, March 13th, Covid-19 officially arrived in our state, coming to Cancun from Europe.
By the following weekend, life on the island had completely changed. All public events were cancelled, alcohol sales were banned, churches & schools were closed, daycare & senior centers closed, residents were told to stay home except for essential outings & hospital services shut down except for urgent & essential care. Worldwide, airlines warned of decreasing availability & foreign governments advised residents to return home & stop traveling.
By the end of March, Mexico declared an official Health Emergency, all non-essential businesses & activities were suspended. Residents were told to stay home & tourism income had ended. In April & May, restrictions increased with checkpoints, curfews, no outside exercise, increased mobility restrictions, and mandatory masking outside your home, which should only be left only for essential reasons, except vulnerable people should always stay home. Cancun built a 240 bed field-hospital for C-19 patients. (Isla's hospital has 13 beds & no ICU & doesn't treat C-19 patients.)
In June, the "New Normality" began, discontinuing the checkpoints & reopening the economy. Businesses were modified to protect customers & employees: installing barriers, making space for social distancing, and implementing sani-mats, antibacterial gel & temp-checks at entrances, as well as signs limiting capacity to 30% and requiring face-masks. Beaches remained closed, along with parks, schools, churches, sports facilities, etc. Tourism resumed, but residents were still told not to socialize outside their household and to stay home except for essential outings and work. Public events remained prohibited.
This continued in July & August, when cases on the island reached an all-time high. There were only 30 reported cases the first three months, but then 125 in July & August. More than 60 "Yellow-Cap" volunteers were stationed around the isle to encourage correct mask-wearing, social distancing & use of hand gel. One required hospitalization after being assaulted by a tourist who disliked being advised the beaches were closed.
On September 7th, the Contagion Rate in our region decreased enough to move into Yellow on the state Epidemiological Light, where we've remained. This increased the capacities for businesses to 60% and opened the beaches, with some restrictions. Tourism increased significantly & financial stress began to ease. Masking & social distancing/hygiene measures remained mandatory. Islanders were still advised not to socialize outside their household, no parties/gatherings, and to keep their vulnerable members at home, which continued through October & into November. In recent weeks, the Governor has been warning us that our region is on the verge of returning to Orange & we need to increase our efforts, because our Contagion Rate has been 0.98+ and 1 is the limit. Going back to Orange would mean closure of public beaches & reducing capacities to 30%. Tonight at 9pm, he'll give the update for next week, Nov 16-22. Remember, it's the statistics for all seven municipalities of the Northern Zone that determine our color, not just ours.
Today Isla Mujeres continues to report a total of 223 cases of C-19, with 20 deaths and 188 recovered. We've been doing well statistically in recent weeks--that spike of 15 cases at week 30 reflects a change in reporting criteria, which caused a group of cases to be added to the total abruptly. (Patients are now included as "positives" who have C-19 symptoms, if they've had contact with a patient with a positive lab test, even though they haven't had a lab test themselves.)
It's been a tumultuous eight months, but we've learned a lot about ourselves. Islanders have pulled together & helped each other out, and the support of the foreign community, near & far, has been inspiring. Let's try to hang onto that spirit & not let the stress get us down...we need to continue to pull together to fight this infection with all the tools in our box--everything from compassion & humor to keeping our distance & wearing our masks. Hopefully, tonight will bring good news & tomorrow will be a lucky day! Despite all the changes this year has put us through, the beautiful, friendly spirit that characterizes Isla Mujeres burns strongly. Thank-you to everyone who has helped during these challenging times!! And condolences to the families and friends who have lost their loved ones.
The NHC says that low pressure has developed in the central Caribbean in association with this Tropical Wave, which is gradually becoming more organized. With environmental conditions that are favorable for development, there is a high chance for a Tropical Depression to form during the next 2-3 days as the system moves slowly westward over the central & western Caribbean Sea. For the next day or so, it's expected to cause heavy rainfall & possible flash flooding in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands & portions of Hispanola. It has an 80% chance of formation in 48 hours and 90% through 5 days.
On the 4-day forecast, we're not encircled, which forecasts rain, but the textual forecast includes the usual possible "chubascos"--squalls.
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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, 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 rose Oct. 31-6:30p |
Nov 1-Sunday at 7:07p
Nov 2-Monday at 7:46p
Nov 3 Tuesday at 8:30p
Nov 4 Wednesday at 9:18p
Nov 5 Thursday at 10:10p
Sunrise 6:50-7:07 (beginning vs end of month)
Sunset 6:10-6:04
Turtles continue hatching out at the Tortugranja in November
The mamas
nest along the eastern beaches from May thru October. Tortugranja staff and
volunteers gather the eggs and incubate them in the sand in a pen
outside the facility. Three species nest annually in Isla Mujeres,
Greens, Loggerheads,
and Hawksbills. Photos of nest hatching out at
MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach, that was missed by the Tortugranja
patrols, by Bruce. 
Public events have been suspended due to C-19. Holidays have featured online competitions and events.
Nov. 1-2--Dia de los Muertos/ Day of the Dead
Nov. 9-20--Buen Fin (Sales)
Thursday, Nov. 12--Postal Workers Day El Día del Cartero y del Empleado Postal
Monday, Nov. 16-- Día de la Revolución Day off (Long weekend) Offices close.
Friday, Nov. 20--Día de la Revolución
Nov. 16-17--Leonid meteor shower, without moon interference this year. Beginning after midnight and peaking before dawn.
Thursday, Nov. 26--Normally celebrations for Isla's Patron Saint would begin and continue thru her day, December 8, but this year public celebrations have been suspended due to C-19.
Monday, Nov. 30--Official end of Hurricane season
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 NHC
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