Mexico declares health emergency as coronavirus death toll rises

Mexico declared a health emergency on Monday and issued stricter rules aimed at containing the fast-spreading coronavirus. Health officials reported a total of 1,000 cases of coronavirus, up from 993 a day earlier, and eight more deaths, taking its total to 28. They reiterated warnings that the health system could be overwhelmed if the coronavirus is not contained.

The new measures to fight the virus include a reduction of the number of people who can gather to 50 and an extension of a previously announced suspension of non-essential activities. Foreign Minister, who announced the health emergency, said that people or companies who ignored the rules would face administrative or penal actions. The emergency would be in force until April 30, he said. Unlike most regional peers, the President has not ordered a lockdown or other drastic measures to control spread of the coronavirus due to concerns Mexico's already slumping economy would take an even bigger hit.