Mexico, on Saturday, logged record high increases in both deaths and new confirmed COVID-19 cases as Latin American countries continue to see a surge in coronavirus infections.
Mexico Logs Record-High in Daily Cases and Deaths
A day after Mexico toppled the United Kingdom to become the world's third-hardest hit country in fatalities linked to COVID-19, it recorded its highest daily increase in new cases on Saturday with 9,556 new infections.
Aside from the record-high daily cases, Mexico also saw its deadliest day on Saturday, with 784 lives lost to the virus in the past 24 hours. The death toll now stands at 47,472 while the infection toll reached 434,193.
The country is only one of Latin American nations that joined the top 10 list of hard-hit countries in the world.
AMLO in Comparison to Trump and Bolsonaro
Due to the new records that Mexico has been making over the past few days, several critics have compared Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, also known as AMLO, to U.S. President Donald Trump and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
It is worth noting that Trump and Bolsonaro are leading the top two hardest-hit countries in fatalities linked to the novel coronavirus.
Obrador has been compared to the two leaders in terms of downplaying the virus and refusing to promote face masks and coverings as a way of preventing COVID-19 transmission.
The Mexican leader was also on the news throughout Friday after commenting to journalists that he will only wear a protective face covering if corruption ends in the country.
Mexico is also sixth in the world ranking of countries with the most confirmed COVID-19 infections. It remains to be seen whether the Obrador administration will enforce stricter measures to prevent further infections.
Over 45,000 New Cases in Brazil
The Brazilian health ministry on Saturday reported an additional 45,392 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1,088 lost lives to the virus. The country now has over 2.7 million infections and over 93,000 deaths.
The new figures indicate a decline from the previous day's record of 52,383 new cases. However, health analysts noted that Brazil's surging cases still signify inadequate anti-coronavirus measures in the country.
The news came as Bolsonaro continues to downplay the COVID-19 crisis by flaunting his recovery after weeks of fending off the virus.
Bolsonaro has Nothing to Fear amid Wife's Positive Test
Following his supposed recovery from COVID-19, Bolsonaro said on Friday that Brazilians who get infected with the virus should "face up to it."
Speaking with journalists, Bolsonaro said he thinks "unfortunately nearly everyone here is going to catch it eventually. What are you afraid of?" He added that deaths come naturally as it is part of life.
Bolsonaro's comments came one day after his wife, first lady Michelle Bolsonaro, contracted COVID-19. The president's official residence said the first lady was in "good health" and will be quarantined as she receives treatment.
Before the reports emerged, Michelle attended a public event in the capital of Brasilia. She wore a mask as she delivered a speech about protecting women in indigenous regions.
Peru to Probe Over 27,000 Deaths
Meanwhile in Peru, the authorities are investigating whether the COVID-19 tracking officials failed to count in 27,253 deaths potentially linked to the novel coronavirus.
According to health minister Pilar Mazzetti, thousands of deaths listed the virus as one of the several causes of fatalities in death certificates. However, the deaths were not included in the official death toll of Peru.
The uncounted deaths, if proven, could place Peru as one of the hardest-hit countries in fatalities - possibly surpassing some European countries that recorded over 20,000 deaths such as Italy.
As of Saturday, Peru's official infection toll reached 414,735 while the official death toll stands at 19,217.
