We checked in to Chiapas, Mexico, March 20th after leaving El Salvador. There were no additional screenings or procedures to check in to Mexico.

We are currently in Barra de Navidad and the Port Captain here has not instituted any additional screenings. I asked on this morning’s net what other cruisers had encountered. One crew that has been driving in the area said there are volunteers in local towns taking temperatures and a stop along the road to Manzanillo where they are ensuring you are on necessary business. Another crew reported being stopped by the Mexican Navy on the way into the lagoon and asked where they were going. They were allowed to proceed with no problems.

Boats are allowed to come and go to make water and pump out but are discouraged from leaving for recreational reasons.

Restrictions are ramping up but most are state by state instead of Federal. Hotels and restaurants are closed. Some offer take away. Jalisco (state) recently put out restrictions stating masks must be worn in public and certain people should not leave their homes at all including diabetics, hypertensives, immunocompromised, heart conditions, and people over 60. Of course, many cruisers are over 60.

At present, it doesn’t appear the restrictions are enforced. Only a few people are wearing masks and many people over 60 are out, locals and expats. The state police drove by yesterday and were not concerned at all. Stores are well stocked, boat services are available, and some stores have initiated extra services such as weekly Costco trips and delivery to boats.

Throughout Mexico we are hearing of some closures via the nets and Facebook. There may be yard closures in San Carlos and Puerto Peñasco. People keep posting they are closed but occasionally someone will say they are not. Some fuel docks have limited hours and require a reservation. In small towns along the Baja, locals are closing roads and not allowing outsiders to come into town. Passage along the highway is allowed but not into town. They are also asking cruisers not to come ashore. Locals in some places are offering to bring provisions to the water for cruisers.

Zarpes are being granted to depart Mexico. Boats have sailed up to California with no problems. In Bahía Magdalena and Bahía Tortuga (two major stops on the Baja), they are not allowed to come ashore but can have food and fuel delivered by panga. Customs clearance in San Diego is via a CBP app. They want to see each crew member on video and ask you to get rid of your eggs.

Everyone has been friendly and helpful as usual. People are working together to do anything that is needed. Cruisers are sticking to small groups that they have been with for a while, rather than large gatherings. Things are very quiet.

Everything cruiser-wise is mostly business as usual.

Jessica Heinicke

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• Mexico Biosecurity
• More COVID-19 Field Reports
• COVID-19 Coronavirus: Special Procedures Being Introduced in Ports of Entry Worldwide
• COVID-19 Resources Page

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Please share your current experience with COVID-19 restrictions and how it has affected your cruising plans. Contact Sue at [email protected] with your field report.

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The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the view of Noonsite.com or World Cruising Club.