Young Mexicans party again, though some line up for vaccine

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Young adults in Mexico are coming out to party again, even as the country enters its third wave of coronavirus infections and vaccines have yet to reach those under 30.

The number of seriously ill patients aged 60 to 69 has dropped so far this year as the elderly got vaccines, the federal Heath Department says. But hospitalizations have more than doubled for those aged 30 to 39, who are only starting to get shots. Only about 40% of the country’s adults have received at least one dose.

Young people in their 20s are thronging restaurants and street-side beer stands in Mexico City, especially on the weekend. Few wear face masks, and many sing or shout while standing shoulder to shoulder.

But young adults are also lining up at vaccination centers, eager to get their dose.

Often the motivation for getting vaccinated is to be able to get back to work. While the Mexican government opposes requiring anyone to get shots, it is clear many feel that vaccinated people will be safer, and more accepted, in offices and other workplaces.

César Chávez Beltrán, 32, lined up for his first shot of AstraZeneca in Mexico City. A bank teller, he works in contact with other employees and the public. He was given time off work to get the shot.

“Obviously, I told them at work that was I was going to get vaccinated and once I get it, I'm going back to work,” Chávez Beltrán said.

The other big motivation is to get back to normal.

Luis David Díaz Sandoval, 30, works as a sound engineer at dance performances, and he was among the first 30-year-olds getting their first shots.

“The truth is, a lot of people have died and the hope is that with this (the vaccine) we can have a little more control,” Díaz Sandoval said.

“We are seeing a lot of parties now, and a lot of people have...