Mexico Record Highest Daily Rise in Deaths

The Ministry of Health reported 479 new deaths from COVID-19 in Mexico, the greatest daily increase so far, bringing the total number to 6,989. Confirmed cases reached 62,527 after 2,960 new infections were added in the last 24 hours.

During today’s briefing in National Palace, Director of Epidemiology José Luis Alomía said that today confirmed cases increased 5 percent on yesterday. Likewise, there are 13,347 active cases, or people with symptoms in the last 14 days.

IMSS head Zoé Robledo said that, following President Andrés Manuel López Obrador instructions, the highest award of the country will be given to health workers. “The Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Medal for 58 health professionals, who will also receive MX$100,000,” he said.

As of Friday, May 22

2,960     new cases (from yesterday)

62,527   confirmed cases nationwide

33,801   under investigation

6,989     deaths

Impact on markets (19.30 hrs)

US Dollar              MX$22.76            (-0.43%)

BMV IPC               35,784.42             (0.63%)

Dow Jones          24,465.16             (-0.03%)

More ventilators secure capacity

Newly purchased ventilators increased the capacity of hospital and intensive care units, Mexico City Head of Government Claudia Sheinbaum said. ISSSTE received 100 ventilators for its hospitals as well as Hospital General de México. Another 110 ventilators purchased were given to local hospitals and Sedena and Navy units. Sheinbaum said beds availability rose from 20 to 23 percent and that 40 percent of the 727 intensive care units are free.

Ebrard looks for Mexicans in China

After reports that at least 21 Mexicans are stuck in China given the COVID-19 travelling restrictions, Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said he will ask the Mexican ambassador to China to contact them and assess their situation. Foreign Ministry spokesman Roberto Velasco reported 13,025 Mexicans have been are repatriated so far during the pandemic, and 2,776 Mexicans are still stranded in other countries.

Mexican auto supplies short in the US

US automakers that have restarted operations warned that lack of imported supplies has forced them the shut down production lines. According to media reports, manufactures in other countries, including Mexico, failed to supply the agreed parts. Such is the case of the Mercedes-Benz plant in Vance, Alabama, which resumed operations on April 27 but closed last Friday due to a shortage of parts imported from Mexico.

Dollar ends the week at MX$22.76

The Mexican currency has appreciated 5.19 percent in the five last days, according to Banco de México data. Today the currency rose 0.43 percent to trade at MX$22.76 units. Growing tensions between the US and China have rattled international markers, as the peso added its sixth consecutive session with gains.

Liga MX called season off

The Mexican football league (Liga MX) announced the cancellation of the ongoing tournament due to the COVID-19 health emergency. “Liga MX’s extraordinary assembly agreed to conclude the 2020 tournament in both men's and women's categories,” the league stated.

Aeromexico rating drowngraded

S&P Global Ratings lowered Aeromexico's credit rating from B+ to B- due to the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The extended confinement of global air travelers, which will implies a further drop in passenger traffic, forced the downgrade by the rating agency.