Mexico implements archdiocese measures to prevent spillover of coronavirus

Mexicans who attended mass at the Cathedral of Mexico City on Sunday implemented measures imposed by the Mexican archdiocese to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

The broader Latin America region has reported several other cases of the COVID-19 illness since midweek.

Mexico has reported five cases, Brazil two and Ecuador one, all involving people who had traveled recently to Europe.

Mexican health officials said the country is not currently facing a national emergency over the virus.

Mexico was ground zero for the 2009 outbreak of the H1N1 virus, also called swine flu, and many in the country have vivid memories of that time.

Back then many stayed home as much as possible and avoided gatherings out of fear.

Shops, restaurants and other businesses closed.

In the capital, streets were eerily quiet compared with the usual chaotic traffic.

So far there has been no repeat of that sort of fear.

There were reports of increased purchases of items like face masks and hand sanitizer, and the National Alliance of Small Businesses said shortages of those items would likely cause prices to rise.