Mexico Coronavirus Update: Aside From COVID-19, Death Caused By Intoxication Is Suddenly On The Rise

Things continue to look grim for Mexico, as the COVID-19 cases are expected to skyrocket in the coming months -- with approximately 35,000 deaths being forecast in the country through October.

While the Obrador-led government announced a gradual reopening of the economy, early this month, in a desperate bid to get things back to normal, health experts predict that the move is sure to bear catastrophic outcomes as the North American country is yet to reach a stage where the curve is flattened.

The updated figures released by the government on Tuesday pointed out to 600 new fatalities, totaling the reported deaths to 14,649. The number of cases rose to 124,301. Mexico overtook the United States in its reported deaths last week, egging health experts on to sound the alarm.

“We still haven’t reached the maximum point,” said Deputy Health Minister Hugo Lopez-Gatell during a morning news conference, per Reuters. “For several more weeks, we will keep announcing there are more cases today than yesterday,” added Lopez-Gatell.

Aside from practicing social distancing, there’s also a growing need to increase the testing capacity, suggested officials during a webcast news conference that took place soon after Lopez-Gatell put forth his assessment.

In addition to the rise in the infections despite the lockdown measures, there’s another crisis that plagues Mexico: Unprecedented deaths due to intoxication during the lockdown. The country which saw millions struggle with pay cuts and job losses also noticed a rise in the consumption of adulterated alcohol from little known brands.

The decision to purchase cheap alcohol could be attributed to two things: the inability to afford good quality liquor owing to a financial crunch, and the passing of a law that banned legitimate liquor sales as soon as the lockdown ensued.

A publication recently suggested that the Guerrero Health Department reported over 18 deaths due to the consumption of “Distilled agave” in and around the mountain township of Tlapa de Comonfort. On the other hand, 16 adults were hospitalized for poisoning symptoms after drinking a tequila-type drink called “Rancho Escondido.”