(FOX 9) – After four Minnesotans tested positive for the P.1 COVID-19 variant first identified in Brazil after trips to Cancun, the Minnesota Department of Health is asking travelers to be tested when they return home.
According to health leaders, the four recent cases of the P.1 variant followed visits to The Grand at Moon Palace in March. Officials say they are seeing more cases of travelers getting sick and are appealing to anyone traveling – especially international travelers – to have them tested when they return.
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Health officials say COVID-19 has “spread widely” in Mexico, and the CDC recently listed the country under a Level 4 travel advice, urging Americans to avoid traveling to Mexico. Because demand for vaccines is high worldwide, Central American countries have struggled to obtain doses. So far, according to Reuters, Mexico has been able to obtain about 17 million doses for the country of 126 million, but is working to release its own vaccine.
“We know that Mexico is a popular getaway destination for Minnesotans in late winter and spring and that there has been a lot of travel to that country over the past few weeks,” said Dr. Richard Danila, deputy state epidemiologist, said. a statement. “The recent CDC travel warning shows that Mexico is currently a very high risk destination, so people should consider it, and if you have not been vaccinated yet, it is more important to consider postponing non-essential travel.”
Even if you are vaccinated, the Minnesota Department of Health says you should be tested and monitor for symptoms three to five days after your return. If you have not been vaccinated yet, officials say travelers should return home and have them tested. And regardless, health officials say travelers should wear masks and avoid crowds. If you were sick or exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should skip the trip.