Healthcare Professionals in Mexico at Risk
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Healthcare Professionals in Mexico at Risk

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Cas Biekmann By Cas Biekmann | Journalist and Industry Analyst - Fri, 04/03/2020 - 12:57

COVID-19 challenges Mexico’s hospital workers who work hard while facing big risks. Although people worry about their salaries, there are no indications of them being lowered, unless you are a top functionary in the government. Experts predict a bad outcome for Mexico’s economy, although delivery workers are benefitting from the current situation. Read your weekly roundup here!

 

Mexico’s Hospital Workers Against COVID-19

On March 31, Reuters reported that 29 hospital workers had tested positive for COVID-19 in Monclova, Coahuila, in what was one of the largest outbreaks within Mexico’s healthcare system. The infections originated from one of the doctors, who had been infected by a patient during a private appointment. So far, one doctor has died of complications due to the infection: 45-yeard old Gualberto Reyes, a specialist in the emergency department.

Out of the 37 reported deaths, three have been medical personnel. Other than Monclova, the other two cases are in Zacatecas and Hidalgo, respectively. The doctor that passed away in Zacatecas was a 38- year old. In Hidalgo, the doctor that passed away was Arturo Olvera, a member of the local Ministry of Health. The current count of infected hospital workers has risen to 39, said Hugo López-Gatell, Mexico’s Deputy Minister of Health.

 

AMLO Lowers Salaries of Top Officials; Government Assures Workforce Underpaying is Illegal

Losing out on wages is an immediate danger for most of Mexico’s working population. This had led to direct attention from the government. President López Obrador has asked the private sector to keep paying wages in full, if possible. Furthermore, the Minister of Foreign Relations, Marcelo Ebrard, emphasized that cutting wages down to the minimum as a result of the virus will result in companies facing legal action. Top government officials are not safe from a pay cut, however. President López Obrador announced that those with top salaries would earn less for the time being. Government employees earning “less than MX$30,000 or MX$20,000” (US$1225 – US$816) will not be affected by this measure, reported El Economista.


Experts Predict 174,000 Job Losses in Mexico

Analysts consulted by Banco de México estimate that the economy will drop by 3.99 percent in 2020, which will destroy jobs and slow down the creation of new ones. COVID-19 is widely feared to be an unprecedented job killer and Mexico’s own business community is preparing for the worst.

 

Increased Profit and Risks for Delivery Workers

Due to a spike in telework (working from home), deliveries are becoming ever more important in Mexico as measures against COVID-19 come into effect. Workers freelancing for apps such as Cornershop, Rappi and Uber Eats reported to El Economista that they are receiving more work and thus more wages. Nonetheless, fear of infection is a growing concern among them. Furthermore, some are afraid the government might restrict their presence on the street if and when Mexico enters Phase 3 of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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