• FINES: The western state of Michoacán (pop. 4.5 million) has joined the neighboring state of Jalisco (pop. 8.1 million) in mandating fines against people found violating the national emergency lockdown, to prevent the spread of coronavirus across Mexico.
• NUMBERS: As of late Sunday, Mexico has officially reported 8,261 coronavirus cases and 686 deaths. Mexico City leads the count with 2,531 cases and 183 deaths. According to the federal government, Jalisco has 198 cases and 13 deaths, while Michoacán has 115 cases and 17 deaths.
• GOVERNOR: “The (Jalisco) government’s intention is not to persecute citizens, the government’s intention is simply to tell people that we need their cooperation now more than ever. If we stay home, we are going to get out of this faster”, Governor Enrique Alfaro said Monday.
• CONTROVERSIAL: The Jalisco Governor has taken the measures even further, threatening with 36 hours of confinement to those who break the lockdown. In Michoacán, Governor Silvano Aureoles said the fines were justified, given that many residents in his state continue organizing parties, sports events, and rodeos.
