IT REALLY IS EMBARASSING: Maskless tourists force Mexico restrictions

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Authorities in Mexico are complaining about tourists not wearing face masks, as Mexico braces for a surge of Easter Week visitors. The problem is so pronounced that federal authorities have decided to close Chichén Itzá from April 1-4 to avoid the possible spread of coronavirus.

The acting police chief of the Caribbean coast state of Quintana Roo patrolled the streets of the resort of Tulum, reminding people to wear their masks and complaining about how few people did.

“It is regrettable to see how undisciplined things have become,” said Lucio Hernández Gutiérrez. “It was truly frustrating to see hundreds of people walking around without face masks,” noting that tourists were the worst offenders.

“It really is embarrassing that we have to get to this point, of asking people (to wear masks), when we should be conscious of the risks we face,” he said.

Authorities have also chosen to close Chichén Itzá over Easter. The sprawling Mayan ruins are Mexico’s second most-visited archaeological site, typically drawing about 1.8 million visitors per year.

And for the second year in a row, Latin America’s most famous re-enactment of the crucifixion of Christ will be held without spectators in Mexico City. The multi-day ceremony will be broadcast instead.

The spectacle had drawn about 2 million spectators in recent years, but authorities said such big crowds would be too risky during the pandemic.

The detailed performance has played out in the borough of Iztapalapa since 1843, but was closed to the public in 2020 for the first time in 177 years because of the virus.