57,023 Deaths, 525,733 Positive Cases

The Ministry of Health reported 57,023 deaths by COVID-19 and 525,733 total positive cases in Mexico, of which 37,867 are estimated active. The daily increases of both 3,571 cases and 266 deaths stand out among the lowest recorded in recent weeks.

Director of Epidemiology José Luis Alomía said accumulated suspected cases amount for 78,431 and that 359,347 patients have recovered from the virus so far. Mexico is now 79 days into the “the new normal” yet only one state is on the yellow light, meaning all economic activity is permitted

During today’s briefing the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) surveys head Teresa Shamah said a national survey will be carried out each year, from 2020 to 2024, to have a clearer view on how to face any health emergency.

As of Monday, August 17

3,571 new cases (from yesterday)

525,733 confirmed cases nationwide

78,431   under investigation

57,023   deaths

Impact on markets (19.30 hrs)

US Dollar              MX$22.11            (0.41%)

BMV IPC               39,285.85             (0.86%)

Dow Jones          27,844.91             (-0.31%)

Mexico City fifth in bed occupancy

Mexico City ranks fifth nationwide in hospital occupancy, reporting 44 percent in general beds and 43 percent in ICU for critical COVID-19 patients, Head of Government Claudia Sheinbaum said. In her daily briefing Sheinbaum highlighted that until yesterday a downward trend in COVID-19 infections was confirmed in the city.

294,000 infections reported on Saturday

More than 30 countries are reporting over 1,000 daily COVID-19 cases, including India, Brazil, the US, Colombia and Mexico, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Just among India, Brazil and the US there are over 50,000 daily infections the organization warned, after a record of 294,000 infections worldwide in 24 hours was reported last Saturday.

Saede suggests agenda for WTO

Mexico's candidate to lead the WTO Jesús Seade said that if elected as new head of the organization he will prioritize attending urgent issues that have reported a poor progress, such as negotiations on e-commerce regulations and the oceans depletion by massive fishing. Seade, who was the Mexican negotiator in the USMCA trade treaty, noted that a strong leadership is needed in the WTO.

Mexico’s two main challenges according ILO

Mexico faces two great challenges: a large informal labor market and the negative impact by COVID-19 on companies and workers, ILO head Pedro Américo Furtado de Oliveira said. “It calls my attention the social commitment of the State, the strength of its business and union sectors,” he said after starting his functions at the labor organization representative for Mexico.

Third cause of death in US

COVID-19 is killing more people than Alzheimer's disease, accidents and diabetes in the US, according to an expert. “COVID-19 is now the No. 3 cause of death in the US -- ahead of accidents, injuries, lung disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and many other causes,” said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) former head Thomas Frieden. Heart disease and cancer are the leading cause of death, he told CNN.

Anger after party in Wuhan

Thousands of partygoers packed out a water park in Wuhan, China, media outlets report.  The massive party was held during the weekend in the city were the first COVID-19 case was reported, raising international criticism. The popular Wuhan Maya Beach Water Park was filled with people in swimsuits and goggles attending an electronic music festival in a massive pool.

Peso slips starting the week

The peso slipped against the US dollar on the week’s first day of trading, along with the currencies of emerging countries, in an environment in which the greenback was not pressured by investors. According to Banxico the local currency depreciated 0.41 percent, which places it at MX$21.11.