30,639 Deaths, 256,848 Positive Cases

The Ministry of Health reported 273 new deaths from COVID-19, bringing the total amount to 30,639 nationwide. There are 256,848 accumulated positive cases, after a further 4,683 confirmations were reported since yesterday.

During today’s briefing, Deputy Minister of Health Hugo López-Gatell said there are 155,604 people who are already recovered from the virus. He also reported there 26,295 active cases, or those with symptoms in the last 14 days. States with the most active cases are Mexico City with 4,058, State of Mexico with 2,218 and Guanajuato with 1,839 cases.

López-Gatell said obesity is the main factor that has worsened the pandemic in Mexico, a health threat that past administrations made even worse after allowing indiscriminate consumption of junk food. “It is not the people’s fault, but the fault of the nutritional environment. Over 80 percent of what is sold in stores is of no nutritional value,” he said.

As of Sunday, July 5

4,683     new cases (from yesterday)

256,848 confirmed cases nationwide

71,305   under investigation

30,639   deaths

AMLO laments media reports

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador criticized media outlets for highlighting that Mexico overtook France and Spain in the total number of COVID-19 deaths. In a video message from National Palace, López Obrador lamented conservative media that raises the alarms among the population. López Obrador said that the death rate per 100,000 inhabitants is higher in both Spain and France than in Mexico.

Tight control for Historic Center

Mexico City announced new rules to be implemented in the Historic Center on Monday. Among new rules and restrictions are an increase of pedestrianized streets and staggered access to stores based on people’s surnames. The local government’s office head Rosa Icela Rodríguez explained that for those with family names starting from letters A to L will have access on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Those starting from M to Z, will be allowed on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. More subway stations will be closed and there will be checks on people’s use of masks.

Experts warns on airborne virus

There is evidence that COVID-19 could fly in the air through smaller particles capable of infecting people, 239 scientists in 32 countries warned. In an open letter sent to the World Health Organization (WHO), experts urged WHO to review its recommendations, since they can show that smaller particles can infect people, according to a New York Times article published today.

Dexamethasone will be recommended

The Ministry of Health will make the recommendation to treat hospitalized and seriously ill COVID-19 patients with dexamethasone, after the benefits of this drug have been verified. The agency is preparing to publish an official stand on the status of different drugs protocols.

New flight from China

Minister of Foreign Affairs (SRE) Marcelo Ebrard said that another flight carrying 88 ventilators arrived from China as part of the airlift operation between both countries. Ebrard pointed out that 58 of these respirators were donated by BBVA and 30 more were purchased through the United Nations Development Program, which will be used in ISSSTE units.