Due to the effectiveness of the health measures against COVID-19, the Board of Health approved this Monday greater capacity allowances in schools and public places.
100% of students of basic and upper secondary education may return to take face-to-face classes Monday through Friday with regular school hours starting November 16. There is an exception of campuses with classes of more than 40 students, which represent only 3% of schools in the state.
The previous decision was agreed by the health table since there is a drop in recent weeks in accumulated cases, hospitalizations, active cases, and the rate of positivity for Covid in Jalisco.
As a preventive measure, it was announced that during the first two weeks of January, which are the coldest of the winter season, all preschool, primary and secondary school students will take classes from home from January 3 to 14, returning to class on Monday, January 17.
The distance educational model will be maintained and remain available to the needs of students or to the decisions of the Board of Health.
Governor Enrique Alfaro remarked that being in school is safer than being in other places due to the protocols implemented. He also stressed that the pandemic has not ended and reiterated his call to citizens to continue respecting health measures.
"The pandemic is not over. We need to be careful, and we need to maintain compliance with the protocols. I think this is an opportunity to correct what was done wrong last year, to think that this had already ended, and then in January we paid the consequences with the rebound in coronavirus cases. For this reason we invite everyone to act prudently, if we comply with the rules the risks are minimized,” said the Governor.
The new capacity allowance restrictions and measures for commercial, social, recreational, cultural, religious and sports activities, and other gatherings was announced by Anna Bárbara Casillas, General Coordinator of Social Development
"All commerce and services are requested to strengthen risk mitigation protocols this holiday season, and work is being done with municipal presidents to intensify inspection with municipal authorities," the coordinator stressed.
The new measures include the following points:
- “Buen Fin” (commercial event from November 10 to 16): it is recommended to use the mask correctly, respect the established capacity, extend opening hours, last minute offers are prohibited, the protocols for the mitigation of risks with an emphasis on commercial brokers and flea markets.
- November 20 Parade: The holding of civic events with up to 800 people is authorized, the suspension of parades is maintained. The use of masks covering the nose and mouth, establishing the distance of at least 1.5 meters between each participant, and the participation of people already vaccinated are promoted.
- Street parties, posadas, fairs or kermesses, pilgrimages remain suspended. Permits for social events of more than 800 people are restricted.
- State authorities will be working with municipalities to strengthen health protocols in commercial corridors, street markets, and Christmas fairs.
- In shopping centers and plazas, the capacity of people is increased from 75% to 85%, in their parking lots the quota is 80%.
- Restaurants and cafés can operate during the normal hours according to their license at 90% capacity.
- Hotels and motels can operate during the normal hours according to their license with a capacity of 100% occupancy, with 80% in common areas, and areas for conventions or exhibitions.
- Bars and casinos can operate during the normal hours according to their license with a capacity of 75%.
- Event rooms can operate with a capacity of 50% and/or up to 400 people in closed spaces; capacity of 80% and/or up to 800 people in open spaces, with 5 hours of event, and no overtime.
- Exhibition and convention centers can operate with a capacity of up to 4,000 people simultaneously, as long as the free space is greater than 10,000 square meters, and up to 10,000 visitors per day. Work sessions at 75%.
- Gyms, clubs, academies, sports facilities, and water parks can operate with an 85% capacity; in group classes up to 30 participants; and in the sauna and steam areas at 30%.
- Cinemas, theaters, and forums can operate with 85% of their capacity.
- Museums, galleries, cultural centers can operate with 85% of their capacity and in groups of up to 30 people
- Workshops and artistic academies can operate at 85% capacity and group classes up to 30 participants.
- Government and corporate offices without public access will avoid meetings of over 20 people.
- Government and corporate offices who attend the public can operate at 80% capacity.
- Religious activities may operate at 85% capacity. Religious festivities outside the premises are suspended, such as processions, pilgrimages, patron saint festivities, among others.
- Dance groups limited to a total of 150 people.
- Parks and forestlands may operate at a capacity of 100%.
- Open stadiums may operate at 90% capacity, closed stadiums are subject to review by the Specialized Board on Health.
- For the holding of events of more than 800 people, authorization and approval of the protocols by the Specialized Board in Health will be required.