• CLOSURE: Mexico City (pop. 8.8 million) is mandating several business closures and restrictions, starting on March 23 and until April 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus in a city where until Sunday evening, there were at least 56 confirmed cases and one death linked to the outbreak.
• VENUES: Among the businesses and venues that authorities are shutting down include museums, steam baths, gyms, churches, cinemas, theaters, sports centers, zoos, bars, nightclubs and community centers. In total, Mexico has reported 316 confirmed cases nationally and two deaths.
• GOAL: “We are seeking to generate all the conditions so that with the maximum closure of activities, we can decrease the spread (of coronavirus) while causing the least economic impact to families”, said Mexico City’s mayor Claudia Sheinbaum on Sunday night.
• RESTRICTIONS: Authorities will restrict public and private events to no more than 50 people and will send home 50% of the local borough’s public employees as a preventive measure. There was no comment on public markets and street fairs, which are popular among Mexico City residents.
