It’s official, face masks (cubrebocas/tapabocas) are mandatory. At today’s press conference, the governor of Oaxaca announced the steps the state government is taking now that Mexico has entered Phase 3 of its Covid-19 emergency plan. I must say that I was impressed by the visuals as I watched — reporters, the governor’s team of experts, and even the governor at one point were modeling good mask behavior.
And, street artists have been plastering the walls of the city with mask-wearing messages.
A medical masked Batman says, “stay in the house” — by the artist, Yescka.
Former Governor of Oaxaca and beloved former President of Mexico, Benito Juárez rocking a mask.
Not sure this couple is practicing proper mask protocol, not to mention, sana distancia (physical distancing) — by artist Elise Rubin.
Unfortunately, this last image represents what I have observed in my wanderings through the empty streets of the city. On today’s outing to my neighborhood produce truck and then to various tiendas (corner stores) in search of mineral water, eggs, and butter, at least 30% of the people I encountered were not wearing masks. For the most part, it’s not because they are not available. They are selling for ten pesos each (40¢ US) and there are numerous projects making and distributing free cloth masks, including those spearheaded by my amiga Norma Schafer over at Oaxaca Cultural Navigator. I brought a couple of extra masks with me and offered one to the gal at the produce truck, but she declined, saying she already had one. I responded that it was really important that she wear it, but she just shrugged. It’s frustrating!
Mexican Peso Converter
View From Casita Colibrí 
It’s true Shannon. I’m sitting in the dr’s office w 3 other women, one very senior. No Masks. The bank lines are the worst I’ve seen.
I am trying to stay home as much as possible and feeling a lot of anxiety when I have to venture out to buy necessities and pay bills. I love the people of Oaxaca, but this is where the disparity in education comes to the fore — much like the USA. Ugh!!!
I walked out of a dr. office when the four staff were hanging out at the desk close together, one with a mask dangling from her ear and the others had nothing — another patient waiting & yakking on her phone with no mask. I’ve actually been impressed with a lot of what I”ve seen but sometimes, yeah, it’s crazy! (where’s the Masked Batman? I have to see this!)
I know, the magical thinking continues. Be well, Christine. Masked Batman is on Tinoco y Palacios — not sure of the cross street, but somewhere between Allende and Matamoros.
The Batman is awesome!
I wonder if it would help to somehow incorporate escapulerios in the mask, maybe even just the design on the fabric.
There are some being sold with designs. A workman came to my apartment complex a couple of days ago and he had a black mask with a skeleton mouth and nose imprinted on his mask.