Mexico adds 5,928 COVID-19 cases, epidemic worsens with continued limited testing

Mexico reported 5,928 new confirmed COVID-19 cases and 504 deaths, bringing the total cases in the country to 549,734 and the death toll to 59,610, its health ministry said Friday.

The epidemic is still worsening as the testing capabilities remain low. The government has said the real infection number is likely significantly higher than reported.

Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme Michael Ryan also said on Friday that the epidemic might be underrepresented as testing capabilities keep running low when half of the tested population received positive results.

Population geography and income levels cause discrepancies in Mexico's infection dynamic.

The WHO official said residents in impoverished municipalities are twice as likely to die from the novel coronavirus than those living in wealthier districts.