Mexico’s Puerto Vallarta to enforce vaccine mandate at bars, casinos
Some Mexican states roll out vaccination mandates for bars and events
Travelers to Puerto Vallarta and nearby areas will have to show proof of vaccination or a negative test
Travelers to popular Puerto Vallarta will soon have to follow new vaccination and testing requirements for many activities ordered by the Mexican state of Jalisco.
The state will require proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test result for bars, clubs, casinos and concerts, Jalisco Gov. Enrique Alfaro announced Monday. The requirement, which will take effect Friday, also applies to other venues such as convention centers and stadiums.
People over 18 will be required to show proof of full coronavirus vaccination. A negative PCR test result will remain valid for entry for 48 hours.
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The new rule comes as Mexico sees a surge in cases, including in Jalisco, following the holiday travel season. According to tracking data compiled by The Washington Post, as of Wednesday, Mexico reported 127 new cases per 100,000 people over the past seven days, with a 174 percent week-over-week increase in daily cases.
Tlaxcala, a state east of Mexico City, is implementing a similar requirement this week, requiring proof of vaccination to enter places such as supermarkets, taquerias and hotels, making it and Jalisco the first entities in the country to establish such rules, according Forbes México.
Health authorities in Baja California stopped short of a mandate, but they issued a similar recommendation last week. It said businesses such as restaurants, bars and casinos can decide whether to ask customers for proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test result.
The new rules stand in contrast to Mexico’s relatively relaxed approach to entry and health requirements. The country has remained open to international tourists throughout the pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rates the country with a Level 3 warning, advising unvaccinated travelers not to take nonessential trips to Mexico.