Municipality closes and deploys preventive measures against the virus
The popular tourism destination of Alamos, Sonora has closed access to non-residents and taken widespread measures to prevent the occurrence and spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Municipal President Victor Balderrama and other municipal authorities have also implemented comprehensive and strict anti-virus protection measures.
Access restricted
The Sonoran municipality announced on March 22 that its airport is closed, and ground access to Alamos is only allowed for residents. The restrictions will be in place for 60 days.
In addition, access is restricted to the municipal building and some entries to the municipal market (mercado municipal) have been closed to control the flow of visitors.
Public awareness
The staff of the Alamos hospital trained “health promoters” who travel to remote areas to educate citizens about the coronavirus.
The city of Alamos has also placed COVID-19 information kiosks around the city.
Social isolation
Alamos has also implemented social isolation measures for its residents that restrict traffic circulation and social gatherings.
Cleaning and fumigation
Municipal workers are scrubbing streets and fumigating neighborhoods in a preventive effort to stop the spread of the virus.
A model for coronavirus prevention
Judging from its municipal announcements, the municipality of Alamos has proactively taken a comprehensive stance to protect and inform its residents from the pandemic.
However, due to aspects of the virus, such as its spread by people who are asymptomatic or with symptoms lagging two weeks after exposure, residents who travel outside the zone and then return could spread the virus. And it is not clear whether rural areas like Alamos have the capability to test for the coronavirus.
Only time can tell. But so far it appears that Alamos has done all the right things. And if there is an outbreak it has taken measures to ensure that its spread is minimized.