Gobierno de México

Hugo López-Gatell

MEXICO CITY — Like in the U.S., Mexico’s coronavirus cases and deaths are on the rise, and many cities are near a health care crisis. The government’s head to front the pandemic has asked citizens to avoid gatherings and leaving their homes, but last weekend, he was caught vacationing in a public space. 

The photo of Mexico’s undersecretary of health, Hugo López-Gatell, chilling at a restaurant and without a facemask on the beach went viral, as many Mexicans saw a double standard from him. 

Mexico City’s mayor said the undersecretary had to explain his actions, particularly since the pandemic obliges officers to stay on duty.

At a press conference, López-Gatell said he has nothing to hide. He said he went with his family to the state of Oaxaca and practiced social distancing while wearing a facemask.

The undersecretary said the health emergency varies from town to town and so do the rules to face it. And he insisted that the federal government will not order a national lockdown.