COVID-19 First Responder

A doctor stands at the end of her shift, the marks left by a protective mask and goggles clearly visible on her face, in Mexico City, Mexico, on 19 May.

Healthcare workers worldwide were at the forefront of the battle against COVID-19. Of 37 countries surveyed by Forbes in November 2020, Mexico reported 78,200 COVID infections among healthcare workers—the highest per capita rate in the world. President López Obrador initially played down the severity of the threat from COVID, allowing large public gatherings and preparations for the tourist season to continue. Once cases started to climb, in late March, a lockdown went into effect, but by April the president declared the disease under control. On 13 May, less than 24 hours after the country had reported its deadliest day during the pandemic, with 353 deaths recorded, he announced an easing of lockdown measures. Exhausted healthcare workers became increasingly critical of policies that did not enforce stricter anti-COVID regulations.