PUERTO VALLARTA CORONAVIRUS NEWS

Current Status of Coronavirus in Puerto Vallarta

Up to this day, Mexico presents 1,510 confirmed cases of Coronavirus. Currently, Coronavirus is in a "Level 3" transmission stage in our country, according to the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC). See full CDC Report here. The United States is advising against all nonessential travel not only to Mexico, but to all global destinations.

All Cruise Ships have been suspended not only in Mexico but worldwide as a safety measure recommended by the CDC and adopted by all Cruise Ship Companies. See the full report here.

Another announcement made by Hugo Lopez, Undersecretary of Health, is the activation of the COVID-19 Phase 2 contingency plan for the whole country. Some of the measures include a limit of maximum 100 participants in gatherings. Work activities that involve mobilization of people are suspended as well, unless they include food production or basic logistics.

The Governor of Jalisco also assured that they are entering a period of massive COVID-19 testing to detect the virus at an early stage and thus, slow-down the spread of the virus. For the moment, they keep waiting these rapid tests to arrive. Puerto Vallarta unfortunately confirmed its first Covid-19 case. Read more about it.

Throughout Mexico, the cancelation of 13 airport operations was announced. The Puerto Vallarta Airport was not affected by this decree; however, in response to the emergency 3 health filters are being applied to incoming passengers.

New preventive measures are being implemented: companies are asked to reduce the number of colaborators to increase social distancing, without affecting salaries. The Government is announcing measures to cope with the loss of income. New sanitary filters will be implemented, and food establishments are being encouraged to serve only through take-out.

What is happening in Puerto Vallarta regarding...

Airports —

Due to the Coronavirus Situation around the Globe, Puerto Vallarta has taken intensive health measures to protect their citizens and visitors. This is why in Puerto Vallarta's Airport, as well as bus stations, have installed medical screening filters such as temperature controls and medical checks to verify tourists don't present any of the symptom's of a coronavirus infection.

There are currently 94 cases of Covid-19 in the State of Jalisco. Governor of Jalisco, has called the suspension of a number of flights in the Puerto Vallarta Airport as a preventive measure, to slow the spread of the virus. Read more about it here.

The flights suspended will be those with tourism purposes, coming from destinations with a high rate of positive Coronavirus cases. This does not include humanitarian missions or cargo purpose flights.

We share with you some measures implemented by airlines with flights to Mexico:

• Interjet: flight bookings between Mexico and other destinations for travel dates through June 30th, 2020, will be able to re-schedule free of charge. Changes can be made up until November 30th, 2020; the only restriction is that passengers can change the date, maintaining the same route.
• Southwest Airlines: all international flights are suspended through May 4, 2020.

Hotels —

Hotels are taking all the hygiene measures to continue protecting their clients and visitors as much as their citizens. These measures are: cleaning and disinfecting elevators keypads and gym equipment in a periodical way, avoid as far as possible buffet meals, clean the air conditioners grid and even having emergency kits in case a guest was detected with any symptoms. All these were established with the Jalisco Ministry of Tourism.

An although they have these measures, Hotels have experienced cancellations for rooms and not only for Easter that's almost here, but for further months which has preoccupied the authorities because it is a city where their main economy comes from the tourism sector.

We share with you a list of Hotels that are closing or taking actions in our destination and their reopening date which is subject to change due to the uncertain path of this virus:

• Decameron Hotels: They will no longer receive new guests from March 21 through the tentative date of May 31, 2020.
• Riu Jalisco: Their guests will be relocated in Riu Vallarta because Rio Jalisco will close from March 24 through the tentative date of April 29, 2020.

Bars & Restaurants —

In the case of restaurants, the Jalisco Ministry of Tourism, along with the establishments, are following the next hygiene measures:

• Reduce restaurant capacity to a 25%
• Avoid Buffet meals or menus that require manipulation by multiple people
• Social Distancing of at least 1meter between tables and customers
• No glasses or cutlery already mounted in tables
• Anti-bacterial dispensers in bathrooms and the entrance of the establishments
• Common-areas disinfection every 15-Minutes

Bars, casinos, nightclubs, party venues, and event venues will remain temporarily closed until further notice as a preventive measure against the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19. Read Here.

Around 60% of restaurants, members of the Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Association, will also close their doors due to the 5-day quarantine emitted by the Governor on March 21th, 2020.

Even though restaurants are to be shut-down completely, they are being encouraged by the State, to only offer take-out. Read More.

Cruise Ships —

As a preventive measure, Cruise Ships have taken the decision of canceling for up to 5 weeks their operations and arrivals in Mexico, affecting of course Puerto Vallarta's Port.

Jose Musi Ganem, the Weast Coast Coordinator of the Mexican Cruise Association, expects cruises to be back within two weeks, but due to the unpredictable development of the COVID-19 virus, this period of time can expand for as long as two months.

Within the Cruise companies that have canceled their arrivals to Mexican ports are Princess, Disney, Norwegian, Regent Seven Seas, Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Amadeo, and many others.

From the mentioned above, most of the companies plan to resume activities by April 11, 2020. However, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Princess Cruises are extending their break until May 11, 2020. See full report.

What about Spring Break in Puerto Vallarta? The city implemented a preventive quarantine to avoid the further spread of Coronavirus. Many spring break activities are already canceled, as well as events that involve groups of more than 100 people, to avoid big crowds. Bars, nightclubs, and casinos are closed. Other establishments such as restaurants, cinemas, and gyms are not closed but have reduced their capacity to respect social distancing.

Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions

Are you currently working?

We certainly are - from home. Our team is available 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST, 7 Days a Week to assist you with any future reservations or changes on already booked tours.

Should I cancel my trip to Puerto Vallarta?

Due to the current circumstances, we strongly support you staying at home and taking care of yourself and loved ones. Health is our priority,

Please note that 70% of Puerto Vallarta's economy depends solely on tourism; it is vital for the sustainability of our city and our people. Therefore, we invite you not to cancel your trip, but rather postpone it for when it is safe to come back! We are sure that soon, we will be creating amazing memories together in Puerto Vallarta again!

I already bought my tour with you. What can I do?
Most of the activities have been suspended due to the current situation. But don't worry! You can reschedule, postpone, or cancel your activity with no extra fees. Just get in contact with us to confirm the status of your tour through our U.S.A. and Canada TOLL-FREE number 1-877-545-3284or through our different contact options, and we will take care of you.

What are your current cancellation policies for travelers?
We understand that we all feel uncertain about what will happen in the upcoming weeks/months. If you want to book with us or have already purchased a tour, we can guarantee that you are going to be able to reschedule, postpone, or cancel with no extra fees. You can read more about this here.

Are there any measures taking place in Puerto Vallarta against Coronavirus?
Puerto Vallarta has implemented a preventive quarantine to protect their population. Some of their measures include:

• Sanitary fences in the international airport and port terminal.
• Restaurants and establishments reducing their capacity to a 25%
• Gatherings limited to a maximum of 100 participants
• General Government recommendations for staying home

If still considering to travel, we advise...

As you know, the way Coronavirus COVID-19 spreads is through droplets from people who carry the virus. The best way to protect yourself is to follow personal hygiene habits and advise.

Some of the things you can do include:

• Clean your hands often
• Practice social distancing
• Stay home if you are sick
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces

Who is affected by Coronavirus?

The cases that have shown more severe symptoms are those in patients of more than 60 years of age, with pre-existing medical conditions.

Young adults and children can also suffer from Coronavirus, but these age groups usually present mild symptoms.

Read More About it in the News

Recent News Articles about Coronavirus in Puerto Vallarta and Mexico:


03/31/20 - First Case of Covid-19 in Puerto Vallarta
03/30/20 - New Preventive Measures in Nayarit
03/30/20 - No Curfew in Puerto Vallarta
03/27/20 - Rapid Tests not yet in Jalisco
03/26/20 - Mexican Airports Operations Canceled due to COVID-19
03/25/20 - Suspension of Flights Discarded in Puerto Vallarta Airport
03/25/20 - Cruise Lines Shutdowns Extension
03/24/20 - 60% of Restaurants Remain Closed in Puerto Vallarta
03/24/20 - Puerto Vallarta Reports 5 Suspected Cases
03/24/20 - Mexico Activates Phase II Against Coronavirus
03/24/20 - Jalisco would block flights and buy 25 thousand tests of COVID-19
03/23/20 - Governor asks Puerto Vallarta and GDL airports to suspend flights
03/22/20 - COVID-19 Flight Cancellations
03/22/20 - Puerto Vallarta Mayor asks People to Stay Home
03/21/20 - Jalisco Asks People to stay Home for 5 days
03/20/20 - Everything You need to Know about COVID-19 in Mexico
03/20/20 - Puerto Vallarta's Restaurant Owners Expect Local Support
03/18/20 - Jalisco Closes Entertainment Venues
03/18/20 - Cruise lines cancels arrivals in Puerto Vallarta due to COVID-19
03/16/20 - Hotels and Restaurants measures to prevent Coronavirus
03/16/20 - Cruise Ships Cancelled for 5 Weeks