Mexico reduces lockdown amid a record in deaths

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador on Friday claimed an overflow of Mexico's health system could be "ruled out", despite the number of new coronavirus cases continuing to rise.

Mexico reported its highest one-day toll on Friday with 479 fatalities and a national increase of 2,960 cases, to reach a total of almost 60,000 COVID-19 patients and more than 6,500 deaths.

López Obrador said social distancing measures had been successful in preventing the country's hospitals from becoming overwhelmed.

While Mexico has officially announced the end of the lockdown, the epidemic continues to increase, especially in Mexico City, where more than a third of cases in the country and at least 1,461 deaths.

On Friday, the Mexico City government reported city hospitals were already 80% of their capacity.

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.