Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca will impose fines and jail for not wearing face masks

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Red traffic light in Puerto Escondido

The municipal president Freddy Gil Pineda, declared that all mass events in the municipality belonging to the Costa region are canceled, be they social, cultural, political or religious

Municipal authorities of San Pedro Mixtepec, the municipality to which Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca belongs, declared an epidemiological red light in the face of the increase in COVID-19 infections , and also announced that there will be fines and jail for those who do not use face masks.

Mexico reports, in the last 24 hours, the highest number of COVID-19 cases since February

The measures were tightened as a preventive measure against the rebound in COVID-19 cases and the new variants detected.

In addition, all the massive events in the municipality were canceled, however, the beaches of Puerto Escondido were not closed, but a 25% reduction in capacity in shopping centers and restaurants is mandatory.

It was also determined the mandatory use of the mask in public spaces and transport, as well as in offices, otherwise, the jail measure will be imposed without the right to pay a fine.

“We are in shortage of oxygen, with emergency care, in this sense we are making this determination, painful for us as an authority as well, but nevertheless necessary for the community,” said the municipality. In addition, he assured that the red traffic light will remain “until the situation stabilizes.”

The council also determined that the inhabitants of the municipality must use the mask correctly and in a mandatory manner in public spaces and transport, as well as offices. Failure to do so will be punished with two hours in jail without the right to pay a fine.

Although the beaches of the municipality are not closed, including the tourist destination of Puerto Escondido, a capacity of only 25% is mandatory in all commercial spaces and restaurants, as well as the application of basic preventative measures such as the use of gel antibacterial and healthy distance.

According to the records of the Oaxaca Health Services (SSO), San Pedro Mixtepec has 570 accumulated confirmed cases and 40 deaths, in addition to 65 active cases; In addition, in the last 24 hours, they confirmed 18 new cases. 

Just this Tuesday the Cabildo de Santa María Colotepec, the other municipality to which a part of Puerto Escondido belongs, declared in an extraordinary session the suspension of patron saint festivities, calendas and convites, as well as dances, rodeos, jaripeos, sporting events, contests, cultural and social events such as weddings, XV years and baptisms, as well as massive events related to the closing of school cycles.

It also agreed to the mandatory use of face masks in shops, spaces, and public transport. The citizen who does not comply with the provisions will receive administrative sanctions such as an economic fine of 300 pesos, social work or community work, and an arrest of up to 36 hours.

Source: oaxaca.eluniversal.com.mx, noticieros.televisa.com

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