Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Saturday, December 14, 2024 73° Today's Paper


Top News

Mexico says coronavirus now endemic, not pandemic

ASSOCIATED PRESS / JAN. 4
                                A couple poses for a photo holding a frame with a message that reads in Spanish: “Third dose, get vaccinated, reinforcement”, after receiving an AstraZeneca booster against COVID-19 during a vaccination campaign for people 60 and over, in Mexico City.

ASSOCIATED PRESS / JAN. 4

A couple poses for a photo holding a frame with a message that reads in Spanish: “Third dose, get vaccinated, reinforcement”, after receiving an AstraZeneca booster against COVID-19 during a vaccination campaign for people 60 and over, in Mexico City.

MEXICO CITY >> The Mexican government said Tuesday that COVID-19 has passed from a pandemic to an endemic stage in Mexico, meaning authorities will treat it as a seasonally recurring disease.

Mexico never enforced face mask requirements, and the few partial shutdowns of businesses and activities were lifted weeks ago.

“It is now retreating almost completely,” said President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

New case numbers have declined. But that may be because Mexico, which never did much testing, is now offering even fewer tests.

Daily death rates have also dropped sharply.

Mexico has recorded almost 325,000 test-confirmed deaths, but government reviews of death certificates suggest the real toll is almost 490,000.

About 90% of adult Mexicans have recieved at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.