On March 26th, the Mexican Government restricted all economic activities except for the essential activities which include the provision of medical services and supplies, grocery stores and grocery delivery services, restaurant delivery and carryout services, assurance of public safety, maintenance of fundamental economic functions and government social programs, as well as the work in critical infrastructure. On April 16, the Government extended restrictions on non-essential economic activities in most municipalities until May 30. On June 1, the Mexican government will start plans to phase in certain non-essential economic activities in some states and municipalities under certain circumstances. Curfews and movement restrictions on non-essential activities are in place in certain municipalities and states, and citizens may be required to wear face masks.
On March 24, 2020, a Decree of the Secretary of Health was published on preventive measures that must be implemented to mitigate and control the health risks of the disease caused by COVID-19. Article 2 (a) of the Decree requires employers of both the public and private sectors to implement preventive measures that ensure that workers 65 years of age and older, and that belong to certain risk groups, including “pregnant or lactating women, children under 5 years of age, people with disabilities, people with chronic non-communicable diseases, or with any disease or pharmacological treatment that generates suppression of the immune system”, are not present in workplaces to prevent them from being exposed to COVID-19. Based on these provisions, employers should consider implementing these measures and should ensure that workers in high-risk groups be sent home from work (See here).
Employers should continue to check with relevant authorities for the latest information:
-Government of Mexico (https://coronavirus.gob.mx/)