Come to Mexico

OK, so the swine flu hasn't been the killer of the century as originally feared (or as originally portrayed in the media). Yet what the N1H1 flu has done is damn neared killed the tourist industry here in Puerto Vallarta. Empty streets, hotels, restaurants and night spots. Laid off workers desperate to find some way to make a living. It's so bad that this week while visiting Sayulita, instead of saying "No, Gracias," we actually bought things from the beach vendors trying to help them out (I love my new shark tooth necklace and hand painted book marks!).

Considering that other than a couple of isolated cases of the flu here, PV has been relatively immune from the virus, but very susceptible to the hype.Now comes word that it is officially OK for PV to come back to life.

This week, the Jalisco government decided it was safe enough to reopen everything ... theaters, clubs, bars ... everything ... no restrictions.

Today, as we believed it was all along, the U.S. has declared it is OK to come back to Puerto Vallarta and Mexico.

The Center for Disease Control in the U.S. issued the following statement, lifting its advisory to avoid travel to Mexico:

Updated: May 15, 2009
CDC’s Travel Health Warning recommending against non-essential travel to Mexico, in effect since April 27, 2009, has now been downgraded to a Travel Health Precaution for Mexico.
Current Situation
CDC has been monitoring the ongoing outbreak of novel H1N1 flu in Mexico and, with the assistance of the Mexican authorities, has obtained a more complete picture of the outbreak. There is evidence that the Mexican outbreak is slowing down in many cities though not all. In addition, the United States and other countries are now seeing increasing numbers of cases not associated with travel to Mexico. Finally, the risk of severe disease from novel H1N1 virus infection now appears to be less than originally thought.
CDC Recommendations
At this time, CDC has removed its recommendation that U.S. travelers avoid travel to Mexico.
CDC continues to recommend that travelers visiting Mexico take steps to protect themselves from getting novel H1N1 flu.

Last night, we went out to dinner and drove home along the Malecon. There were people out and about. The clubs were busy. And there is a feeling that this experiment in pandemic management may be over. As the swine flu disappears, we can only hope that the visitors and travelers reappear.