I am sure you all have heard or read about the swine flu or Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak around the world. In the early stages Mexico came up with a large number of reported cases as well as fatalities. From the 159 reported fatalities in Mexico at the beginning it went down to just under 10 confirmed by that particular influenza once the test results came back from the labs. The center of the outbreak in Mexico is the area around Mexico City which lies 1600 km/1000 miles away from Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya
In a move to contain the outbreak schools were closed in all of Mexico, archeological sites where closed and the number of people who can be together in one place are limited to 80 people.
As the week went on it became clear that the influenza indeed is quite contagious as it spread around the globe and could jump from person to person even if they have not been in Mexico at all. It became clear as well that the fatality rate is very small.
Living here in Playa del Carmen and to see firsthand of what is going on, we did and do not have a single case of the influenza here in Playa del Carmen. All businesses such as restaurants, bars and shops are remaining open, the universities opened this week and next week all schools are going to be open again.
The whole influenza issue in Playa del Carmen manifested itself with people working in the supermarkets or banks wearing masks. These are the only people wearing masks. The rest is going along as any other day of the year with restaurants and bars open, supermarkets open with no sign of panic shopping. The only difference is that Playa del Carmen’s 5th avenue is very quite.
The way it does affect us as residents and business owners was that our customers leaving early home from their vacation as they where told by some airlines that there might be no more flight going soon, as in case of my brother Robert. Some airline stopped their flying into Mexico schedule altogether either being concerned of liability issues or potential customers being a bit unsure about the situation and planning to spend their vacation elsewhere, thus leaving planes empty and not economically prudent to operate for the airline.
As things are totally normal in Playa del Carmen we feel a bit like after a hurricane when it takes 2-4 months before the tourism is picking up again. Needless to say that some businesses are struggling and had to lay of personnel and workers.
Lucky for us is that our cancelations are not cancelations but postponed diving or training scheduled for a later date in time either this year or next year.
Another good thing might be coming out of that for visitors is that airfare is going to way cheap in the next couple of month, so will be accommodation. Check it out and shop around.