Ready for a Nocturnal Virus: Coronavirus, Public Policy Decisions and Violation of Rights in Five Municipalities in Sonora, Mexico

Abstract

The objective is to analyze municipal decisions made under an exceptional situation argument due to the Phase 1 of contagion of COVID-19 in Mexico. The methodological approach was inductive and focused on the first five municipalities that decreed a curfew in Sonora (Nacozari de García, Caborca, Naco, Santa Ana and Moctezuma). The use of semi-structured interviews and requests for public information were part of the methodology. Results describe rationality when deciding in exceptional contexts. The limitations of the study are the short time in which the interviews were carried out and the lack of public information. The originality of the investigation lies on the context in which it was carried out and in the exploration of public decisions during exceptional situations. Findings are presented in four categories: political rationality, illegality, and acceptance; the use of known resources; decoupling, argument of urgency and symbolic communication; lack of evidence and the use of legitimate support.