Beach in Veracruz
(Photo: Reuters)

The Mexican government ordered citizens to observe social distancing. Still, some residents are ignoring the warning, and many of them were seen on the beach in Veracruz, according to a recently published article.

A BEACH, PARK, AND FOOD STALL AMID THE THREAT OF COVID-19

A well-known beach in Veracruz was bustling during the weekend as Mexicans gather on the beach. This action shows how some of the Mexicans defy and did not heed to the call of the government to observe stringent social distancing to slow down the spread of the virus.

In an article published by a local news outlet, parks and plazas in Mexico City were filled with young couples and defied the government's warning and recommendation for healthy distancing. Aside from the busy beach, Many street food stalls also continue to serve food such as tacos and tortas while standing or seated.

It can be recounted that in the previous report of Latin Post that at least six students from the University of Tampa in Florida tested positive for the virus after they defy the government's warning. These students were suspected of having a history of visiting beaches and gathering with large crowds during their spring break.

Going back to Mexico City, public transportations such as buses and subway cars are now much emptier. Still, it was observed that the recommended 1.5 meters healthy social distancing was not followed. 

In another park in Eastern Mexico City, a woman kisses and cuddles with her boyfriend and told the news outlet that the social distancing measures of the government are too extreme. She said that she did not know anyone who has COVID-19 and so she thought that everything about the virus is a hoax.

The woman said: "There's no disease, they made it up ... If there were a disease, I would already know someone who died. They're asking us to stay at home, but we're taking advantage of our free time to be together."

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT VERACRUZ

Instead of following the orders of the Mexican government to stay at home and observe stringent healthy social distancing, some were seen outside their homes enjoying a day at the beach in the Gulf Coast of Veracruz. 

Another local news outlet reported that the Playa Villa del Mar, near the port of Veracruz, was filled with revelers and vendors offering swimming suits, food, and alcoholic beverages.

Even though the federal government has already ordered the temporary closure of beaches to control the spread of the virus, it was discovered that none of the municipal, state, or national security forces are enforcing the rules in Playa Villa del Mar.

When the municipalities were asked to give comments, they said that they do not have the authority to tell people to leave the beach as Mexico's beaches are classified as federal zones.

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF ESTABLISHMENTS NOT FOLLOWED

Some non-essential businesses that were ordered by the government to close did not follow the government's order either. Hair salons, tattoo parlors, repair shops, car washes, and vendors continue to trade, most notably in the Mexico state municipalities of Toluca, Metepec, and Zinacantepec.

President Lopez Obrador said that he wanted to avoid declaring a total shutdown because it will hurt the economy and, most notably, the poor.

However, he said on Friday that there is a possibility of implementing more stringent measures such as curfew because of recent incidents of citizens not following the rules.

Moreover, in the developing report, the Mexican government already declared a health emergency on Monday and suspended all non-essential activities until April 30. This declaration was followed by a warning that sanctions would be given to businesses that do not comply.   

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