I'm looking at a timeline (from my HMO) where a COVID-19 vaccine won't be actually delivered until May. As the vaccine is two doses, 21 days apart, and recommended 'waiting period' of a month, means the end of June 2021 is the earliest date of a TJ trip if you want to be safe.
I miss TJ so much! It would be ironic if it was faster/easier to get vaccinated in TJ vs the US.If someone told you Tijuana was closed they lied. It has not been closed in my 24 years living here.
I agree with you completely.
I think it's just as much a matter of personal choice as it is the HMO guideline. Hundreds or thousands of people cross the border all day every day. Hundreds or thousands of people decide NOT to cross the border all day every day. Being on either side of the US/Mexico border or choosing to cross or not cross the border does not guarantee that a person will either be safer from COVID or will catch COVID.
See my link below for one point to ponder (not related to COVID) about making the decision to wander.
US citizens and permanent visa holders have at all times been able to cross the US-Mexican border during the COVID-19 restrictions. In contrast, under COVID essential travel restrictions Mexicans with tourist visas cannot enter the US.
However, that does not mean that things are normal in Tijuana. At various times schools, restaurants, bars, etc. have been open or closed. (More closed than open).
In Mexico (as in the US) health care workers are now starting to receive the COVID vaccine. The Baja Norte plan is to next vaccine those over 65, followed by younger and younger age groups with edible children being last to get the vaccine.
As in the US, nobody really knows when the pandemic will end and things will return to something approximating normal. My best guess is that will be in the second or third quarter of 2021 with in-school classes starting in the fall of 2021.
(Although with the delays in both the US and Mexico--2 million Americans having been vaccinated when the plan called for 20 million to have been vaccinated--its hard to know. And that assumes a sizable majority of people will decided to be vaccinated.)
Adherence to COVID restrictions (masks, social distancing, etc.) is to a large degree socioeconomic in both the US and Mexico. A family I visit often (headed by an attorney) still follows the original CDC guidelines. (The avoid gatherings, wear masks, wipe down grocery bags before they enter the house, use hand sanitizer, etc.) In contrast, my friends in the poorer colonias (like La Florida) seldom use face masks, hand sanitizer, and gather in large groups.
Major businesses in the better parts of Tijuana are following stricter rules than in San Diego. To enter a place like a grocery store one has to wear a mask. At the door a security guard checks your temperature and makes you use hand sanitizer on the way in.
My dentist in Tijuana requires a face mask, checks your temperature as you enter, and has you wipe your shoes on a disinfectant mat. He also wears a "surgical helmet," puts a hair net on your head and booties on your shoes. (In contrast my physician in San Diego only requires a face mask and a temperature check.)
As in the US, many Tijuana COVID restrictions are being relaxed in March 2021. Bars are (for now at least) open again. Personally I would wait until I was fully vaccinated before going someplace like a ZN bar.
Las Pulgas and some Zona bars were closed quickly for not following protocol. I believe they have opened back up but it did not take them long to screw it up.
As in the US, many Tijuana COVID restrictions are being relaxed in March 2021. Bars are (for now at least) open again. Personally I would wait until I was fully vaccinated before going someplace like a ZN bar.
Looking at being fully vaccinated Mid-June, a week ahead of my most pessimistic estimate.
I'll probably drive to TJ as to reduce my exposure to airports/airplane, not sure if this is really going to make a difference.
I hope it's worth the effort ..