Markets closed to control Mexico's exuberant Mother's Day

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Few countries celebrate Mother's Day with as much gusto as Mexico, and that has created fears the celebrations could threaten lock-down measures and spread the new coronavirus.

Wary of Mexicans’ deep desire to bring mom flowers and cakes this Sunday, some officials have ordered the closing of public markets, and pastry and flower shops, while others are proposing a virtual Mother's Day or even postponing celebrations for a month.

“There should be no celebration of Mother's Day because we would probably bring mom the gift of the coronavirus, which could kill her," said Dr. Manuel De la O Cavazos, the health secretary of northern Nuevo Leon state. “That would be the gift we bring her, instead of flowers or a hug.”

A total of 42 of Mexico City’s public markets, including the famed Jamaica flower market, will be closed Sunday as a preventative measure. Access to some cemeteries will be closed to prevent people from visiting their mothers’ graves. Instead, the city has proposed a “virtual celebration” with televised mariachis and other concerts. Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum has proposed delaying celebrations.

“I will call my mother and my children will call me, but we won't get together,” Sheinbaum said Wednesday. “It is better that we wait until July 10 for family gatherings.”

Nuevo Leon state says it will only allow online orders of cakes and flowers, while Guanajuato state will only allow home delivery. The state of Morelos will limit the number of people who can visit grave sites, and cemeteries will also be closed in Mexico City's suburbs, Guanajuato and the western city of Guadalajara.

Guadalajara, considered the heartland of mariachi, will ban serenades, as will the states of Sinaloa, Chihuahua and Zacatecas.

The...