The effects of COVID-19 have been felt across the world in businesses and at home. For those who depend on income from tourism in Mexico, it has been especially difficult as many resorts, restaurants, and shops closed temporarily. After several months, many businesses are gradually reopening and have updated health and safety standards designed to keep customers and visitors safe. Do you live in Mexico or visit regularly? If so, keep reading below to learn how you can help support the local communities most in need as we transition into the new normal after the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Ways to Support Mexico 

Right now, it is especially important to help support your local economy as the world struggles to regain its balance during the COVID pandemic. For visitors or residents in Mexico, there are many ways you can do your part to help your neighbors. To start with, shop locally whenever possible to keep money in local businesses in the community where you live, or the area where you are visiting if you are on vacation in Mexico. Always try to buy groceries and fresh foods at local markets as opposed to big grocery store chains whenever possible. Likewise, it is recommended to have a few week’s supplies of food at home in case of an emergency. However, do not excessively hoard supplies and buy only what you need. For example, if you clear out a store of a certain product, you are consequently affecting the needs of others by limiting their options. The majority of working-class Mexicans live week to week or even day today. As a result, most Mexicans do not have the cash or credit to stock-up on food. Therefore, always be respectful of others as you shop and avoid clearing out any particular items.   

Order Delivery & Home Helper Support

In addition, many local businesses are offering delivery services right now. Although businesses are slowly reopening, you can stay safe by seeking out shops that offer home delivery.  Also, if you live in Mexico and employ home helpers that help clean, watch your children, or tend to your garden, it is best to keep paying them if possible even if they aren’t able to come inside your home at this time. Many home workers rely on that income to provide food and shelter for their families. If you stop paying them, it could cause a significant financial strain on low-income families. Likewise, you can also consider giving your home helper extra days of work to help supplement their income once you are able to have them back at work. In the meantime, many residents in Mexico have discovered that local taxi drivers and couriers will be happy to buy and deliver groceries right to their home.  A lack of tourism has left many taxi drivers without work, so the chance to earn extra cash delivering groceries is a win-win situation.  

Care Packages  

Throughout Mexico, many local organizations and individuals have come together to help prepare care packages for those in need. For example, in Puerto Vallarta, local restaurants and humanitarians have prepared hundreds of care packages for families affected the most by the loss of tourism and income in the area. Tourism is a top moneymaker in Mexico so it will take a while until the financial effects of COVID-19 are not so evident. Until then, consider donating food or home goods that you don’t need right now. Shoes, clothes, children’s toys in good condition would be greatly appreciated by people having a hard time providing for their family.   

Stay Connected with Loved Ones 

It is super important to stay connected with loved ones, especially during these challenging times. For many people, feeling isolated and the lack of social time with loved ones is a downer. In order to keep your mental health intact,  make sure to regularly reach out to family, friends, and neighbors. Even if you can’t see someone in person right now, you can always use text messages, email, or a phone call to stay in touch. Also, remember that everyone is dealing with the crisis and adjusting to the new normal in their own way. Therefore, always be respectful of others’ opinions and sensitive feelings at this time. A little care and understanding go a long way to ease the difficulties this unprecedented time has caused for the whole world.  

As we all know, the powerful impact of the COVID-19 crisis has been felt throughout the world and in local communities. In Mexico, the local community needs help now more than ever. If you visit Mexico regularly or live there part-time, we hope you support the local community using the practical tips above. Are you looking to take a vacation to Mexico? If so, consider a vacation at Villa Group Resorts. They have 9 luxury resorts in the top destinations in Mexico including Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, Cancun, Islands of Loreto, and Riviera Nayarit. Plus, they have received the Safe Travels Stamp which means they are utilizing stringent health and safety protocols. For a great travel deal you can’t find anywhere else, call My Vacation to Mexico at 1-800-607-7499. They have amazing promotions right now to stay at the Villa Group Resorts so you can enjoy a fun and safe vacation in paradise. Remember, call My Vacation to Mexico at 1-800-607-7499 to pamper yourself with a vacation to Mexico.  When in Mexico, make sure to give back to the local community by using our tips on how to support those in need.