MISSION REPORT–FAR NORTH COMMAND–01/13/2021
TRAVEL CHANGES TO COZUMEL
AIRLINES TO REQUIRE A NEGATIVE TEST BEFORE BOARDING FLIGHTS RETURNING TO THE USA
Cozumel has been available and open to tourism since late June 2020. Certainly, there are restrictions put in place by individual countries. Most notable is Canada. Canada has canceled many of its flights to Mexico. They require a mandatory 14-day quarantine on return to that country. As owner of Tres Pelicanos, I can tell you that we really miss our Canadian clients as they are a large part of our business.
Flights from the USA continue to arrive in both Cancun (CUN) and Cozumel (CZM). The CUN airport is very busy and social distancing can be difficult. Those flying into CUN and taking the trip (AKA bag drag) to the ferry in Playa del Carmen will find it safer to hire a taxi. Yes the cost will be more than the bus, but you can stay separated from the public easier. However that is only part of the problem. The ferry system has limited a lot of its crossings. Thus the ferries make the trips across the channel loaded with passengers. Although there are Covid restrictions in place on capacities, both ferry systems seem to not abide by those rules. Fines have been placed on the ferries but with the decrease of voyages the increased passenger loads have amounted to a huge gain in profits. So if you are going to do the bag drag from the CUN airport, wear your PP&E at all times.
Flying directly into Cozumel (CZM) is much easier albeit a bit more expensive. As far as I am aware, the only restrictions are a temperature check. That happens without your knowledge as a thermal temperature check is done just as you meet the little dog that will sniff your carry on items. The same is done when you enter the airport on leaving the Island. Before you go through the security check point at the CZM airport you will fill out a form basically stating that you are healthy. It is in English and Spanish.
The latest news is that the airlines will soon require a negative Covid test before boarding any flights arriving internationally. That is to say before you board the plane in CZM or CUN to return to the USA. Please check with your airline before booking or traveling.
We have two (I just heard of another) hospitals in Cozumel who can do the test and have the results in 24 hours. The two hospitals that I am aware of are Costa Med and the International Hospital which is located next door to the shop. There is a cost involved. I have heard pricing between $100 and $250 usd but am unsure of the real number.
I do want to enforce my opinion on how much safer I feel when in Cozumel. Their mask policy is mandatory at all times when in public. Regardless on your opinions on mask wearing, remember that you are a guest in a foreign country so I implore all of you to maintain all of the covid safety restrictions and especially wear your mask.
STINGER OUT.