First Confirmed Case of COVID-19 in Mexico

This week has not turned out the way we expected. But, science and human kind are challenged to confront a global sanitary emergency that is affecting the whole world. Today, the first case for COVID-19 was confirmed in Mexico, adding another thing to the healthcare system’s plate.

Have the hunger games begun? Before we start, here are the protocols to prevent COVID-19 contagion according to the Ministry of Health.

NATIONAL

Yesterday, a reported case of COVID-19 hit Mexico as a citizen presented symptoms after coming back from a trip to Italy. This morning, Deputy Minister of Health Hugo Lopez-Gatell confirmed this to be a positive case of COVID-19. Before the announcement, the Ministry of Health had already presented the protocols to prevent contagion.

The Ministry of Health declared that around 70 percent of the national population could potentially get infected. President Lopez Obrador called for calm as our healthcare system “is able to attend this crisis.”

This week, polemic unleashed with the rejection of a cruise arrival to the Mexican coastline. Citizens from Quintana Roo rejected the ship to land on Chetumal due to a risk of COVID-19 contamination. The ship has now docked with apparently no risk of contagion.

Tamaulipas also reported a possible case of COVID-19. The state Ministry of Health declared it had the capacity to care for the patient and contain the virus.

Now that COVID-19 is a real threat to the country, the Senate asked the Minister of Health to explain the strategy prepared by the Ministry to confront the virus.

The Chamber of Deputies has already announced their financial plan in order to face the COVID-19 threat.

Former director of Seguro Popular is being legally prosecuted for anomalies presented at Hospital General del Occidente in Jalisco.

After protests due to the difficulties for women to get proper cancer treatments, Deputy Minister of Health Hugo Lopez-Gatell says these cases can be treated in public institutions.

The Ministry of Health announced a the implementation of programs that could contribute to improve situations of vulnerable population segments, including a protection program for girls, boys and adolescents and a pension fund for the elderly and people with disabilities.

INTERNATIONAL

After the first case of COVID-19 appeared in the country, the Brazilian stock exchange fell by 7 percent.

US President Donald Trump confirmed this week that the US is capable and ready to face the COVID-19 and highlighted that health is a priority for his government. He appointed Vice President Mike Pence to coordinate the government’s response to the virus.