Mexico Unveils Plan to Reopen

On May 14, 2020, the Mexican Department of Health published in the Official Journal of the Federation a plan to gradually reopen social, academic and economic activities in Mexico. The plan was designed by the Mexican General Health Council and is based on the three-phase process described below.

1. Beginning May 18, 2020, schools and businesses located in municipalities where no COVID-19 cases have been reported will be able to reopen if adjacent municipalities also have not reported any COVID-19 cases.
2. Between May 18 and May 31, 2020, certain actions will be implemented to prepare the reopening of activities, such as: the creation of health protocols, personnel training for safety in the work environment, reconditioning of workspaces and productive processes, implementation of filters for entry, and sanitation and hygiene of the workplace. The Mexican Department of Health, the Mexican Social Security Institute and the Mexican Department of Labor will jointly issue mandatory regulations requiring all businesses to provide a safe work environment.
3. On June 1, 2020, the Mexican Department of Health will implement a color-coded “traffic light” system to be used on a weekly basis for the reopening of social, educational and economic activities. This phase will include the reopening of establishments performing non-essential activities.

Additionally, construction, mining and manufacturing of transportation equipment are now deemed essential activities and may therefore commence operations on June 1, 2020, implementing strict protocols to safeguard the health and safety of their employees.Mexico is reopening gradually in hopes of avoiding a rebound in COVID-19 cases. Mexican government authorities are expected to conduct workplace audits to ensure compliance with obligatory health regulations and protocols. CCN has a seasoned group of attorneys available to assist clients with mock workplace audits to help businesses prepare for reopening, and to ensure that they are in compliance with all health regulations and protocols.Click here to read an English translation of the Decree.Contact information:Joseph B. Newton | jnewton@ccn-law.comFelipe Chapula | fchapula@ccn-law.com.mxMario Melgar | mmelgar@ccn-law.comJavier Zapata | jzapata@ccn-law.com.mx