Thought of the Day - February 28 2022 - Observations in Mexico

As mentioned in earlier blogs it has been two years since we were in the Cancun tourist resorts of Mexico ( Thought of the Day - February 17 2022 - Mexico Bound ). It has been interesting to observe, over the last couple of days, what has changed.

First, the resort strip south of Cancun has continued to develop. A number of venues have changed hands, more have been completed, and many renovated. That said, it is also obvious that the tourist industry has not yet recovered. While I understand that hotels are once again allowed to have 85% occupancy, and attendance at their venues, I would guess things are running about 3/4 of the level of our previous visit - notable, other than a couple of Quebecers, is the absence of Canadians.

The flight down was uneventful. However, services at YVR has been significantly curtailed. For example the main restaurant in the International Departures concourse, the Lift, was only serving booze. Despite being 8 am they could offer no breakfast, not even coffee. Why? A hand written apology note stated they had no staff.

Unlike Canada, here in Mexico the issue is not a lack of staff, instead the problem is how much can venues afford to re-open and staff up given the uncertainty of demand.

Here in the state of Quintana Roo (1.85M people) official figures state there are about 27 new COVID cases a day, that that they have 2% hospital occupancy. Concerning COVID measures, here they are similar to Canada. Masking is required in common indoor areas, but optional outside; for staff, masking is more compulsory. They still continue use the equipment they were sold early in the pandemic to do thermal testing ( Thought of the Day - May 27 2020 - Use of Useless Test ). And, you can tell lawyers have been involved due to the requirement for various health affidavits.

Oh, there is one peculiar practice that I have not seen in Canada. There are antiseptic mats at most entrances. While no one can tell me what they do, they are also part of COVID practices here in Mexico.

People are plenty chill. Crazy statement that I heard when meeting friends in Canada over the last couple of months such as "Oh, just to let you know I have had my booster" would seem very strange here; thin-lipped smiles would simply say "Nice for you, but why are you telling me this?".

Oh, we have picked up a new trendy habit. People around the resort wear their mask on their arm - at the ready as they head back inside. Very practical when wearing your bikini. And, no we have yet to see any tri-kinis.

Anyway, it is interesting to be in a place where COVID and associated government policies are no longer a topic of conversation - maybe for many here they never were.

Cheers

Cliff