“Sana Distancia” Ends, Traffic Light Begins

The number of deaths from COVID-19 in Mexico reached 9,930 while positive cases rose to 90,664 on the last day of the nation’s social distancing program and the start of the traffic light scheme. In today’s briefing at the National Palace, Deputy Minister of Health Hugo López-Gatell said that, although the “sana distancia” (or social distancing) period is officially over, the epidemic has not ended and mobility restrictions will continue. “The epidemic does not end today nor the necessary restriction on mobility in public spaces. Tomorrow June 1 is not just going back to normal,” he warned and reminded that now state governments will have total control of their actions, based on in the federal traffic light. The officer said the whole country is on red, meaning “high risk”, except from Zacatecas which is yellow.

As of Sunday, May 31

3,152     new cases (from yesterday)

90,664   confirmed cases nationwide

36,803   under investigation

9,930     deaths

AMLO recalls mandate to revoke presidency

After demonstrations against his government in different cities across the country, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador asked his adversaries not be anxious. In a video recorded in Palenque, the president said that in 2022 there will be a consultation in which citizens will have the opportunity to decide whether he stays in office or have to resign. “The mandate revocation is coming, it is a reform that I promoted so that in 2022 people are asked, do you want the President to continue or to resign?” he said. The president explained than depending on that decision he will stay the whole 6-year term, and said that he does not support reelection.

Construction company schedules decided

Construction companies resuming activities tomorrow will have a new schedule from 10 am to 7 pm, from Monday to Thursday, Mexico City’s government announced. The measure aims to prevent bigger crowds and give an extra day of rest on weekends to employees to see if they develop any symptom, so they stay at home under observation. Formal and informal businesses must register on the city’s web page to resume works.

Mexico City doubles test amount

The Mexico City government will double COVID-19 tests and will create a census of cases and contacts to monitor the virus, so it is possible to track cases and locate outbreaks. The City’s Minister of Health Oliva López said that 657 tests are currently being carried out for every 100,000 inhabitants and that this figure will now be doubled. Over 114 health centers will be enabled to perform tests.

17,854 companies to the “new normal”

As of this Monday, 17,854 construction, mining and auto part manufacturers companies will enter the “new normal” and restart activities, IMSS head Zoé Robledo has reported. Those companies received their registration by IMSS and complied with the updated guidelines published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF), by the Ministries of Health, Labor, Economy and IMSS.