What factors contributed to Mexico's COVID-19 crisis before reaching one million cases?

The factors that contributed to Mexico's COVID-19 crisis before reaching one million cases are closely tied to the country's healthcare and economic conditions. Specifically, chronically underfunded public hospitals played a significant role, as the healthcare system struggled to cope with the surge of COVID-19 cases. Limited resources in hospitals meant a lack of essential medical supplies, staff, and facilities to adequately treat patients, leading to higher mortality rates and overwhelmed healthcare facilities.

Furthermore, the large informal economy in Mexico meant that many individuals lacked access to stable employment benefits or health insurance. This made it difficult for individuals to seek medical attention in a timely manner or adhere to public health guidelines, further exacerbating the spread of the virus. Because a significant portion of the workforce operates in this informal economy, the overall public compliance with health measures and the ability to support those affected by the pandemic was diminished.

In contrast, high vaccination rates would suggest better protection against COVID-19, while a robust healthcare infrastructure would imply that the medical facilities could handle the crisis better. The options regarding closed borders and travel restrictions, as well as national lockdowns and social distancing measures, would typically lead to a reduction in cases rather than contribute to a crisis, indicating that these factors weren't the predominant issues in Mexico