Update: June 11. 2020 The number of confirmed and suspected cases of the novel coronavirus is still increasing daily in several regions of Mexico. Mexico City, Tabasco, Aguascalientes, Baja California, and Sinaloa currently report the highest incidence rates of active cases (incidence rate is the number of cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 14 days). Hospital occupancy rates are also increasing, with the highest levels in Mexico City, Mexico State, Guerrero, Baja California, and Sonora. Mexican health authorities have reiterated calls for people to stay home during this time.
On June 1, the Mexican government began phasing in non-essential economic activities in some states and municipalities using a national “stoplight” system. The four metrics to determine the colors in the Mexican government’s stoplight system are the trend in numbers of new cases; hospital occupancy trends; current hospital occupancy rates; and percentage of positive cases. If one indicator is red, the whole state will be designated red. The Mexican government updates the state-level designations every Friday, and the revisions will take effect the following Monday.
México Stoplight Alert map for week of June 15 – 21 (issued June 12th)
16 states are listed in red (maximum alert) – including Sonora; 16 states in orange (high alert)
The United States and Mexico entered a joint initiative March 21 restricting non-essential travel along the U.S.-Mexico land border to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Non-essential travel includes travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature. These restrictions apply to travel in both directions across the border. On May 19, the U.S. and Mexican governments extended the land border travel restrictions until June 22. Please see the DHS website or embassy fact sheet for more information.
Actions to Take:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. To modify your enrollment and subscription to alerts, you must log in to STEP.
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information. Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Mexico.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States. Check Port of Entry wait times at the U.S. border and visit Customs and Border Protection’s latest updates.