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COVID-19
The accelerated contagion of COVID-19 continued to worsen during August, with seven states now classified as red (highest alert) on the national epidemiological traffic light system and 17 states at orange, the second highest level of alert. The country is currently reporting approximately 6,000 new cases per day nationwide, however this is down from over 20,000 per day earlier in the month. Health Ministry authorities have reported that at least 17 states are beginning to register declines in the number of new cases, raising hopes that the third wave is beginning to ease.
ECONOMY AND INDUSTRY
- Through the first six months of 2021, remittances to Mexico from abroad became the country’s single largest source of foreign currency, according to data from central bank Banco de México (Banxico). The US$23.6 billion in remittances during the period exceeded the value of other key income categories such as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), petroleum exports and tourism. (La Jornada, August 18, 2021)
- The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) reported the number of formal jobs registered nationwide in the system reached a historic high in July. The number of part-time jobs declined, indicating that the recent reform to reduce the outsourcing of employment is driving companies to bring formerly independent workers on staff. (Reforma, August 13, 2021)
- Income from international tourism in Mexico in June exceeded that of June 2019 by 4%, demonstrating significant recovery of Mexico’s tourism industry despite the ongoing pandemic, according to data from the National Statistics Institute (INEGI). The number of international tourists arriving in the country jumped 211% from June 2020, due to business shutdowns last year. (Citibanamex Reporte Económico Diario, August 11, 2021)