Omicron Arrives to Mexico, Expected to be Less Lethal Than Delta

The first case of the COVID-19 variant Omicron was registered in Mexico over the weekend. Early signs suggest that the variant may be no more dangerous than its predecessors, such as the Delta variant.

Here is the week in Health!

Omicron Arrives to Mexico

The variant was confirmed to have entered the country through a 51-year-old man traveling from South Africa, said Hugo López-Gatell, Deputy Minister of Health. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador confirmed the patient was admitted to a private hospital in Mexico City but was reportedly out of danger after showing only mild symptoms.

The arrival of the variant concerns health specialists in Mexico, who fear a fourth wave is approaching. Recent findings suggest the variant might not be severe but the Mexican government will continue its preventive measures, which include a booster of the COVID-19 vaccine starting this week in Mexico City, Jalisco, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Sinaloa and Yucatan.

For more information, visit this article.

Mexican Legislation Combating Vaccine Theft

The Mexican Senate approved a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of MX$90,000 (US$4,217) to anyone who steals vaccines from the National Health System. The decision reforms various articles of the General Health Law and was approved with 81 votes in favor, 10 against and one abstention. The legislative process is now in the hands of the Chamber of Deputies.

Consumer Changes Reveal Healthier Lifestyles

Mexican consumer trends shifted during 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, found a report by Bain & Company. In these shifts, Mexicans shifted to healthier habits and increased their concern about mental health issues.

The main findings suggest that many felt more appreciative of their lives and families’, as well as more concerned about their health and wellbeing. Results also pointed out that many of those surveyed consumed more healthy foods, drank and smoked less and spent more time in physical activities. For the complete findings, visit this article.

Experts of the week

As the pandemic continues, safety measures must be strengthened, said Salvador Bernal, Director General, Pure Wellness. Read his complete interview here.

Sofia, a fintech startup for the healthcare sector, is making waves in the Mexican market, explained Co-Founder Arturo Sánchez talks in this article .

TINC's Luis Fernandez explains how the company developed tools that allow clinical engineers to perform precise, standardized equipment management, which is essential for hospitals.

Through its advanced tech-based shield, Roccoly is facilitating a safe recovery process for different business sectors worldwide. Learn about this technology in the interview with CEO Maria Laurens.