What does Phase 3 of the COVID-19 emergency in Mexico involve?

This Tuesday, the Mexican government initiated Phase 3 of the COVID-19 health emergency, but what does it involve?

This is the third phase of the three initial ones that the Mexican government has decided upon for classifying its response to the pandemic.

It means that there will be a “rapid increase in contagion and hospitalizations”, according to deputy health minister Hugo López-Gatell.

WHAT HAPPENS IN MEXICAN PHASE 3?

This is the phase in which there is an accelerated growth in cases of COVID-19, with contagion throughout Mexico. 

• A higher number of infections
• A higher number of people hospitalized
• More extensive community outbreaks

WHAT DOES PHASE 3 MEAN FOR THE POPULATION?

The government said that it will issue guidelines later on, but for now:

• For the population at large, Phase 2 measures will be maintained: the measures for staying at home, keeping a healthy distance, and suspending non-essential work activities must be maintained.
• This will be a crucial moment for hospitals, when they will begin to receive a greater number of infected patients. 

DOES IT MEAN A CURFEW OR FURTHER RESTRICTIONS ON GOING OUT?

To date, the federal government has ruled out a curfew in Mexico, which implies the use of public force to stop people going out.

However, states and municipalities can make their own decisions and some, such as Jalisco or certain municipalities in Nuevo León, have said they will stop people going out for nonessential reasons.

FOR NOW, THE STAY AT HOME PROGRAM CONTINUES THROUGHOUT MAY

For now, the National Healthy Distance Program (“Stay at Home”) continues, having been extended until May 30, and the Mexican government has said that some municipalities which have remained outbreak-free could resume activities as of May 18.

The federal Minister of Education, Esteban Moctezuma, announced this morning that classes will resume in June.
 

WHAT WERE THE FIRST PHASES AGAIN?

Phase 1 - Viral Import

These are cases of people who were infected abroad and displayed symptoms in Mexico. Second-generation transmission and family outbreaks occur. There are dozens of cases.

Phase 2 - Community Transmission

When third-generation or further contagion occurs from person to person. There are community outbreaks. This was established on March 24.

WHAT DOES THE WHO SAY?

The Mexican government has so far reported a 3-phase scheme similar to that suggested by the World Health Organization, which contemplates 5 phases.

WHO Phase 4 corresponds to a second wave of outbreaks caused by the new virus in a period of between 3 and 9 months after the onset of the pandemic.

Phase 5 is when the WHO declares an end to the pandemic.

Dr. Fernando Castilleja, Director of Wellbeing and Prevention at TecSalud, urged the population to stay at home with their families.

“Follow the recommendations and news from official organizations such as the WHO and the Ministry of Health in order to prevent the spread of fear and false information,” he added.

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