Following a 7.1-magnitude earthquake on September 19, causing severe damage and loss of life, many travelers with pre-planned trips to Mexico are wondering if they should continue with their plans or postpone. While news on the ground continues to be updated, a preliminary statement by the Mexico Ministry of Tourism states that there is “no reason for visitors to cancel travel plans to Mexico.” However, concerns from prospective travelers are not only about safety. Many are also worried about the ethicality of traveling to a country that is dealing with tragedy. Below we answer some of the most common questions asked by travelers over the last week.

Is Mexico City airport open? If so, should I expect delays?

Mexico City International Airport was only closed for a few hours after the earthquake for a safety assessment. While there was damage to the exit road out of Terminal 2 and some superficial damage in Terminal 1, runways were unaffected and business resumed just hours after the quake hit. The airport has been running with no reports of delays related to the earthquake ever since.

Is it still safe to stay in the Roma and Condesa neighborhoods?

These two bohemian neighborhoods in Mexico City are extremely popular with tourists and were quite badly hit by the earthquake. Buildings continue to be assessed by local engineers and architects to ensure that they are safe. If you plan to stay in an Airbnb in this area, ask your host for official evidence that their building has been checked and given the all clear. Another possible option, at this time, is to stay in a hotel that has been passed as safe, since hotels have a greater responsibility for the safety of their staff and their guests. You may also choose to stay in Polanco, an area that reported almost no damage and is close to many of the city’s best museums.

Are the tourist attractions even open?

Bespoke tour company Journey Mexico, which has offices across the country, confirmed that many of the top museums in Mexico City and Puebla are open again as of this week, having been checked for damage. These include, among others, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museo Frida Kahlo, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, as well as the Amparo Museum and the International Museum of Baroque in Puebla.

The Nuestra Señora de los Remedios in Cholula lost its bell tower following the last quake. Getty

Is it possible to travel to Morelos and Puebla?

Travel is possible to Puebla city and neighboring Cholula and many of the museums are scheduled to open this week. There are reports of damage to many churches in Puebla and the bell tower fell from the Nuestra Señora de los Remedios in Cholula. While there was, unfortunately, a lot of damage and loss of life in small towns in Morelos, Mexico tourism promoters confirm the state can still be visited. However, the National Institute of Archeology and History (INAH) has identified a number of historical buildings and archaeological sites that will be closed until further notice.

What about Oaxaca? Wasn’t there another earthquake there?

Yes. On September 23 a 6.1-magnitude earthquake was recorded in Oaxaca state. Unfortunately, the area that was hard hit by the 8.1-magnitude earthquake on September 7 (el Istmo de Tehuantepec) received more damage. Oaxaca City (some four to five hours away from the area most affected) reported only minor damage and the bustling tourist center continues to operate as normal.

Is it disrespectful or unethical to visit Mexico at this time?

While this is a difficult time for Mexico, it is not at all unethical to visit right now. On the contrary, it's a way to help. Mexico is a resilient country; the day after the earthquake, some restaurants and tourist sites in the capital were open. The economy thrives on tourism (which makes up 8.6 percent of the national GDP) so if you choose to visit at this time you will be helping the country rebuild itself after this tragedy. Note that at the time of writing, there are still some sites where rescue efforts continue. In these areas silence is required to listen for possible survivors and respect is requested.