Mexico’s lockdown order was extended yesterday until May 30, 2020. Businesses that carry out non-essential activities, as defined in earlier resolutions, must remain closed. By May 18, 2020, the government will start lifting these restrictions in cities that show a reduced transmission, or no transmission, of SARS-CoV2.  The Federal Health Ministry will assess which cities are these and take the necessary measures to control traffic crossing city lines once the restrictions are lifted.

What is an “essential activity” has not been fully explained (likely never will) and has brought uncertainty to many businesses, some of which have decided to close down to avoid the cumbersome fines or else remain open… and pray…

There are, however, several non-profit organizations (e.g., chambers of commerce) bringing support to local businesses in order to help them avoid a shutdown. If you have a company in Mexico and are affiliated to a chamber of commerce, reach out to them or else reach out to me and I can refer you to one that meets your industry needs. Of course, if you need a legal opinion please contact us.

Correction to earlier post made on 4/2/2020.

I had mentioned that the General Health Council (CSG) had increased its members to include the federal ministries below. However, on April 3 the Ministry of Health made a remark that these ministries will not become members of the CSG but that they will only be allowed to participate in CSG’s sessions without a voting right. My earlier post followed what the 3/31 resolution established, that they would become members with a voting right. Not so.

• Ministry of the Interior (Secretaría de Gobernación).
• Ministry of Foreign Relations (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores).
• Ministry of National Defense (Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional).
• Secretary of the Navy (Secretaría de Marina).
• Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection (Secretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana).
• Ministry of Labor and Social Security (Secretaría de Trabajo y Previsión Social).