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Xcacel-Xcacelito Sea Turtle Sanctuary Reserve reopened

Costa Maya, Q.R. — After 210 days of being closed due to the pandemic and then Tropical Storm Gamma, the state’s Xcacel – Xcacelito Sea Turtle Sanctuary Reserve has reopened.

The Secretary of Ecology and Environment, Efraín Villanueva Arcos, says according to current health protocols, the site will receive visitors as long as the state epidemiological light remains yellow.

As a result of the health situation, the reserve remained closed for 167 days, opening on September 8 after the publication of a yellow epidemiological light, however, the passage of Tropical Storm Gamma on October 3 saw the area heavily damaged.

Public infrastructure along with the Tortuguero camp suffered serious damage for which authorities decided to close the area as of October 4. Although repairs began immediately, the arrival of two back-to-back hurricanes (Delta and Zeta) delayed those efforts.

In November, government officials again began to repair the public infrastructure for its eventual reopening. The state government says the Xcacel – Xcacelito Sea Turtle Sanctuary Reserve has officially reopened with a 60 percent maximum capacity under the current epidemiological light.

The site will open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All visitors must following the protocols of healthy distance and the use of face masks. Food and alcoholic beverages are not permitted.