Mexico: Over 2500 COVID-19 fatalities and 26,000 cases confirmed May 6 /update 9

Event

As of Wednesday, May 6, Mexico has recorded 236 new coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related deaths in a 24-hour period, bringing the total number of deaths nationwide to 2507 with 26,025 confirmed cases.

Authorities previously announced on Tuesday, April 21, that the country had entered its highest state of medical readiness, Phase 3, as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has increased. Phase 3 denotes that there are a high number of infections and hospitalizations nationwide. Mexico's government declared a health emergency after the number of COVID-19 cases exceeded 1000, now extended through Saturday, May 30. Existing social distancing measures and restrictions on nonessential businesses are to remain in place nationwide until then. Additionally, events or meetings with more than 50 people are prohibited. The government has advised individuals over 60 years of age and those with pre-existing medical conditions to stop working and strictly observe stay-at-home measures. Schools remain suspended until Monday, June 1, while bars, clubs, zoos, saunas, gyms, and cinemas have also been ordered to close in Mexico City. In municipalities where COVID-19 infection numbers are low, however, these measures may be lifted on Sunday, May 17. Conversely, areas where there are a high number of infections, particularly inner-city areas, are likely to have increased measures introduced in the coming days.

US and Mexican officials announced on Monday, April 20, that their shared border will be closed to nonessential travel for an additional 30 days, now until Tuesday, May 19, in an effort to control the spread of COVID-19. Officials stated that the decision followed close analysis of the COVID-19 case numbers in both countries. The closure applies to recreational travel, while cargo, trade, and healthcare workers will still be allowed to cross the border.

Further international spread of the virus is to be expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.