Too little too late? Experts decry Mexico virus policy delay

Mexico has started taking tougher measures against the coronavirus after weeks of its president hugging followers and saying religious medals would protect him.

Some experts warn the sprawling country of 129 million is acting too late and testing too little to prevent the type of crisis unfolding across the border in the United States.

Last week Mexico banned non-essential government work as confirmed cases climbed, but took until late Monday to extend that to other business sectors and to bar gatherings of more than 50 people.

By Tuesday, Mexico had reported more than 1,000 confirmed cases and at least 28 deaths.

Still, despite some tougher measures by Mexican states that have imposed quarantines enforced by police, the federal call to stay home remains voluntary with no talk of penalties.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has maintained a relaxed public attitude despite the increasing alarm sounded by his health officials, and had this to say at a news conference Tuesday: "Soon, very soon there's going to be the day of hugs and kisses in all the public plazas."

The measures announced Monday are "too late" said Dr. Miguel Betancourt, president of the Mexican Society of Public Health. Those moves should have come two weeks earlier when the curve of infections began to steepen.

While for most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause severe symptoms like pneumonia.

Some Mexicans said they couldn't stay home because like more than half of Mexicans, if they don't work, they don't eat.

And some protests have already begun, although for the moment, they remain symbolic. Only hours after the emergency decree, organ grinders from Mexico City were marched in protest in the capital's zocalo.

The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.