Mexico City continues battle against coronavirus

Mexico City authorities plan to target neighbourhoods with a higher number of people infected with COVID-19 as part of efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak.

It has already implemented a camera surveillance system aimed at monitoring the use of face masks in a number of neighbourhoods.

Results so far have shown that upper class neighbourhoods, such as Condesa and Roma Norte, have the lowest rates of face mask usage compared to other neighbourhoods, like Iztapalapa, Xochimilco and Tlahuac.

While the use of face masks is a strong recommendation of the city government, it is still not mandatory.

The number of cases is expected to rise in the coming days as restrictions affecting small businesses and restaurants ease up and the capital enters a second week of relaxations.

Mexico City mayor Claudia Sheinbaum stressed however that that although some restrictions had been eased, many virus measures would remain in place until at least July 19.

She also said that if any member of a household had been diagnosed with COVID-19, all household members must stay home for at least 15 days.

The mayor promised economic support for families entering self-isolation if a member of their household has fallen sick with the virus.

Mexico City still carries the largest burden of all states with 53,423 confirmed cases and as many as 7,191 reported deaths.

With a death toll expected to surpass the 35,000 mark this Sunday, Mexico as a country has almost reached 300,000 cases of COVID-19.