In Mexico, an emergency decree that suspends all nonessential activities in the country was extended through May 30 by the Ministry of Health on April 21. This decree aims to prevent the further spread of the novel coronavirus. It was initially set to end on April 30.


Here are some important facts you need to know about the COVID-19 measures in the country covering the extended period:

Essential Activities in the Country

Under the extension, companies performing essential activities are allowed to continue operations. These businesses are required to follow social distancing guidelines in their facilities and production. Also, they are required to strictly make use of sanitary contingency protocols such as sanitizing and cleaning of work stations. Additionally, mass gatherings with more than 50 attendees are not allowed. Furthermore, companies are required to enforce among its workforce proper hygiene. Moreover, workers should be prohibited from hugging each other, kissing, and shaking hands.


Individuals with High Risk with COVID-19

People who are at high risk of contracting the novel coronavirus are required to stay at home. This rule applies to everyone, even if they are working for an essential or nonessential business and regardless of the municipality where they belong. The order does not mention if the employers of these individuals should still give 100 percent of their salaries and benefits.


Sanitary Contingencies in Mexico

Mexico's Ministry of Health did not mention any sanitary contingency. Also, they have not announced any suspension of the labor relation. According to the law of the country, employers should give minimum wage to their workers during the suspension of work order given by a health authority. On this basis, employers are not required by law to pay their workers the appropriate minimum wage.


Extraordinary Actions on Sanitary Contingency

According to the decree, the Ministry of Health will lift the extraordinary actions as of May 18 in municipalities will now to zero number of COVID-19 cases, says an article.

The decree also states that the Ministry of Health will be creating criteria for the evaluation of transmission of the coronavirus. Also, it will be determining any factor that is connected to the risk of the further spread of the novel coronavirus and the vulnerability of affected communities.


Going Back to Work

The government did not officially announce that businesses will be able to return to their regular operation on June 1. For some regions where the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus is not that significant, businesses may be allowed to operate by May 18. However, it is still not clear if businesses can resume their operations on those dates.


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Employers in the Country

Local and federal authorities are performing inspections to businesses to determine to classify them as either an essential or nonessential business. Also, it will determine if the business is following proper sanitary measures and social distancing guidelines.

Authorities will not need to give employers a notice before arriving at the work area of the business.