Mayor postpones reopening of churches

Mexicali Mayor Marina Avila said although state officials have allowed churches and faith centers to reopen, the city of Mexicali has decided to keep them closed, at least for a week.

The mayor said although Secretary of Sustainable Economy and Tourism Mario Escobedo have permitted the reopening of churches with restrictions, local authorities are not satisfied the city has fulfilled health conditions to reactivate religious services due to a surge risk.

“Churches remain closed,” Mayor Avila said. “We are reviewing protocols and the list of potential reopening. However, no date has been set.”

Mexicali has approved the reopening of restaurants, casinos, shopping malls and the Port of San Felipe for local visitors, but not churches.

“Reopening in other cities started weeks ago (and) in Mexicali we just started and that obliges us to take things calmly to keep addressing the contagion rate,” the mayor said.

On Monday, Mexicali Bishop Jose Isidro Guerrero called for Catholics to return to parishes on a limited basis starting Sunday.

The Catholic Church has released videos to show its community in a clear and simple way the measures that must be followed.

Churches are allowed to reopen with just 30 percent of their capacity while parishioners must wear face masks, use antibacterial gel and practice social distancing.

Religious leaders and city officials met Tuesday to discuss the reopening.