The state Secretary of Health, José Adrián Medina Amarillas, reported that additional precautionary measures related to COVID-19 are being considered in Baja California.

“The number of new cases in Baja California has continued to increase; not at an alarming rate, however the overall number is close to reaching 3,000 over the last 14 days.”

Such an increase has state health officials concerned to the extent of calling for a national meeting online with federal health authorities to discuss the current situation and determine if there will be any change in the recommendations given at the national level to help stem the spread of COVID-19.

The Secretary of Health pointed out that Baja California is not yet listed among those areas with the greatest rebound in active cases such as Sinaloa, Mexico City and Quintana Roo, however if the number of infections continues to increase, Baja California could begin reinstating preventative measures.

“There are growing concerns surrounding an expected rebound in active cases over the next two weeks and we will remain on high alert, carefully watching for any signs of an increased spike in new infections,” he assured.

He also commented that the ultimate decision remains at the federal level.

He then added, “based on the national trends and number of regional surges in COVID across Mexico in recent weeks, it is likely that some additional level of precautionary measures will be forthcoming, however it’s unlikely that any of the new measures would be mandatory.”

The changes being considered are planned to be implemented as an important recommendation measure, especially for enclosed public spaces.

Even with the recent spike and possible changes coming to the recommendations, the Secretary commented that it was unlikely for the state to revert back to a yellow light status at this point as the recent rebound has not been accompanied by a spike in COVID-19 related fatalities.

COVID-19 related hospitalizations

The Health Secretary shared that currently, none of those hospitalized with COVID-19 infections are on ventilators here in the state.

“Fortunately, not a single patient hospitalized with COVID-19 is on a ventilator and undoubtedly, our aggressive vaccination programs played a key role, helping to minimize the number of COVID-19 related deaths in the later stages of this pandemic.

Finally, he urged for everyone in Baja California to get the recommended fourth dose of the vaccine, stressing that the pandemic is not over yet and we all need to continue taking precautions to avoid becoming infected and further spreading the virus.