Hermosillo, Sonora. April 10, 2020.  The mortality rate in Sonora from Covid-19 is well above both the national and global average, pushing the State Health Board along with SEDENA (Secretary of National Defense) and mayors within municipalities that are home to 90% of the state’s population to approve a “Mandatory Stay at Home Phase 2” program. The program will go into effect April 13^th and last through April 30^th, stepping up measures to make people stay at home while hoping to reduce the flow of people in public by 85%.

The intensified measures for people to social distance establishes 6 justified causes for being in public during what is deemed to be a critical phase of the pandemic while ensuring people only leave their homes for essential activities.  In addition, only 1 person may travel in a car at a time.

After receiving proposals from several city administrations as to how to reduce vehicle flow in communities, the State Health Board set a goal of reducing the presence of people along streets and in public spaces by 85%. To meet this goal, they outlined permanent and restrictive actions to deter people and, if necessary, will have assistance from the Municipal Police and State Public as well as from the armed forces.

These steps are meant to contain the number of contagions and deaths from the Covid-19 pandemic in Sonora, as on April 10^th the state had a mortality rate of 14%, or rather nearly triple the national and global average.

Sonora Secretary of Health noted, “We have justified data showing the “Stay at Home” strategy has only managed to reduce the presence of people and public spaces by 45%, when we require this to be 85% in order for this type of social distancing to be effective.”

The 6 areas for essential outings are:

1. To buy food, pharmaceutical and primary need products.
2. To go to health clinics, hospitals, or centers or an establishment with an essential service.
3. To go to workplaces for those continuing to work in essential activities.
4. Returning home
5. Helping or care for the elderly, dependent minors, persons with disabilities or that are particularly vulnerable.
6. Going to financial entities (banks)

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