The Mexican government's response to COVID-19 is insufficient
By Gladys McCormick, opinion contributor — 03/19/20 08:45 PM EDT
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The Mexican government has been insufficient in its response to the coronavirus. With poorly communicated and inconsistent messaging that offers no clear guidelines, their federal government’s inaction has given rise to widespread rumors that are beginning to stoke panic and insecurity.
Given that Mexico can look to the examples of what not to do in the early onset of this crisis — namely China in January, Italy in February and to a certain extent the United States in the first days of March — one would think political leaders there would be implementing different strategies. So far, 118 cases have been reported in Mexico.
We have not heard strong messaging from the Mexican government to “flatten the curve†in an effort to reduce rates of infection, or to practice self-isolation to mitigate transmission. President Andres Manuel López Obrador is adamant about not closing Mexico’s borders or exercising caution at airports. Perhaps his logic stems out of concerns about imposing barriers on trade. However, he has not said as much, and it is further eroding public confidence in his government’s lacking response.
https://thehill.com/opinion/international/488538-the-mexican-governments-response-to-covid-19-is-insufficient
