Personnel assigned to Chapala’s regulations department are beefing up inspections of local businesses to detect violations of Covid-19 infection safeguards.
Confirmed local cases of the viral disease have spiked over the past six weeks.
Reglamentos Director Francsico Javier Torres Sandoval reported that his inspectors have dropped in at more than 75 Chapala locales since Thursday, October 8. During their rounds they issued warnings to four establishments that were not following appropriate hygiene standards, such as proper use of face masks, availability of disinfectant hand gel, placement of sanitation doormats and obligatory customer temperature checks.
Although all of the cited businesses were found to be in compliance on follow-up visits, they could be subject to closure for subsequent repeat violations, Torres said.
Torres surmised that other lax enterprises were able to escape detection because they were forewarned by fellow merchants that inspectors were on the prowl. Some quickly closed shop before the authorities arrived.
The official explained that regular inspections are being resumed in Ajijic and other satellite towns as time and staffing allow. He noted that businesses that rely heavily on expat clients tend to be more careful because they realize they will lose valuable customers who expect strict contagion-prevention measures.
The public is encouraged to report places of business that are not acting appropriately to contain spread of the coronavirus. Complaints may be registered via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Dale Hoyt Palfrey