Office of the President of Mexico

Hugo López-Gatell, undersecretary of health of Mexico, presenting updates of the coronavirus pandemic.

MEXICO CITY — The increasing number of COVID-19 deaths and illnesses in Mexico is generating concerns at the World Health Organization. The country has now recorded nearly 110,000 deaths and about 1.2 million cases. But Mexican authorities are dismissing the warnings. 

The United Nations agency for public health warned that Mexico's numbers are increasing at an alarming speed. From October to November, COVID-19 deaths and cases doubled. 

The WHO's director asked leaders throughout Mexico to set a good example. But the president and other officials insist that facemasks should not be mandatory.

Hugo López-Gatell, Mexico's coronavirus czar, said that case numbers are expected to continue rising until January. 

López-Gatell said the WHO is not blaming the current administration, and that the federal government is not solely responsible for fighting the virus.