Below are the FAQs concerning the resolution that was published on 3/24/2020) in the Federal Official Gazette by Mexico’s Health Ministry, which establishes the Covid 19 preventive measures to take place from March 24 through April 19, 2020.
What is the purpose of this resolution?
To establish preventive measures to mitigate and control health risks arising from SARS-CoV2 (Covid-19) (“Covid19”) such as:
- Social distancing in order to reduce spreading Covid-19
- Assure medical assistance to severe cases
- Protect groups that are at risk of getting Covid-19
Is this a “lockdown” order?
Although its terms may sound like it, this is not a full blown stay-at-home order (like the one in Italy). The resolution, thou, orders suspending activities that entail:
- Physical overcrowding.
- Movement of people from one place to another (would this cover your commute to work? Maybe)
How long will this be for?
March 24 through April 19, 2020.
Who does it apply to?
It is mainly addressed to workplaces, public spaces, regular points of reunion (I will call these “Crowded Places”); people at risk of getting Covid-19; and, schools (at all levels), which shall remain closed until April 17, 2020.
Moreover, massive events (e.g., concerts) and gatherings of more than 100 persons must be suspended until further notice.
What preventive measures should we take?
Because the resolution’s purpose is to protect groups of persons that are at risk of getting Covid19, the following group of persons should refrain from attending Crowded Places:
- Individuals 65 years and older.
- Women that are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Children under 5.
- People with an impairment.
- People with diseases such as: hypertension; lung, heart, kidney or liver disease; lupus; cancer; diabetes; obesity.
- People under treatment, or suffering from, immunosuppression.
Does the above group qualify for paid sick leave?
Yes. However, home office may be implemented, whenever possible. Best to analyze case by case with your advisor.
Do I have to close my business?
Not if your business is necessary to control the spread of Covid19 (see list below).
If not, likely yes. You are encouraged to implement “home office” or similar to mitigate the spread of Covid19.
Once more, it is best to analyze case by case to see if you can continue open for business if you are not in the list below.
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Pharmacies
- Laboratories
- Medical services
- Financial services
- Telecommunications
- Information media
- Hotels
- Restaurant services
- Gas stations
- Markets, supermarkets and miscellaneous
- Transportation services and gas distribution.
All of the above so long as they are not held in closed spaces or lead to overcrowding.
Will government agencies be closed?
The resolution does not order these to close; however, each agency has discretion to suspend some of their non-essential activities. We encourage you to double check the agency in question or leave your question in the comments section.
Make sure to check back for updates as there will be more resolutions related to the present in the following days.
CAVEAT: do not make a decision based on the above content. This post is not legal advice but an overview of the abovementioned subjects.
