After new coronavirus cases in Yucatan began to surge Wednesday, the week ended with 72 hospitalizations and an average of 26 deaths and 191 new infections every 24 hours.
And it has been a brutal month. Of the 979 COVID-19 deaths in Yucatan since the pandemic began, 491 — just over half — occurred in July. A total of 8,503 known infections have been reported here since March. The real number is many times that, medical experts agree, but have not been detected because testing in Mexico is relatively scarce.
Saturday’s health briefing announced another 181 infections and 27 deaths in Yucatan. Some 150 patients recovered.
Of the new infections, 124 were in Merida; seven each were in Temozón and Valladolid; and five were in Kanasín and Tekax. Two people listed as foreigners were also brought on as new cases. Motul, Ticul, Halachó, Tizimín, Acanceh, Baca, Cacalchén, Chemax, Chikindzonot, Dzemul, Dzitás, Hunucmá, Izamal, Maní, Mocochá, Peto, Río Lagartos, Sudzal, Teabo, Tecoh, Tixcacalcupul, Tixkokob, Tixpéual and Umán also reported new cases.
Fatalities ranged in age from 31 to 79 and most had complications such as diabetes or obesity.
Current patients are divided into two groups: the 388 who are stable and recovering at home and the 508 in one of Merida’s hospitals. An unknown number of additional patients are presenting symptoms but are awaiting a diagnosis.
