The figure could fall short because it is about the cases reported to the Consulate General of Mexico
The consul of Mexico in Los Angeles, Marcela Celorio announces the number of Mexicans killed by coronavirus in Los Angeles. (Aurelia Ventura / La Opinion)
Photo:
Aurelia Ventura / Impremedia / La Opinion
The consul of Mexico in Los Angeles, Marcela Celorio announced that during the month of April, 17 Mexicans died in this city, as a result of the coronavirus.
However, the number of deaths could be even higher, since these figures only consider the cases in which families have asked for help from the Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles. It should also be borne in mind that just a little over a week ago, Los Angeles County health authorities began asking people who test for the coronavirus the race.
“Of the 17 Mexicans who have died, 13 have been men. The ages of people who lost their lives due to the pandemic range from 38 to 88 years, "said the consul in an interview with The opinion.
"It is important to note that all the deceased had some pre-existing health condition such as diabetes, hypertension, kidney failure, dementia, respiratory failure and obesity. We had a case of a person suffering from leukemia, "he observed.
One of the Mexicans who most recently passed away on Friday, April 17, was mariachi musician Roberto Montaño Barceló, originally from Sahuaripa, Sonora. At age 70, he lost his life by failing to win the battle against the coronavirus, after three weeks of staying sick.
"This virus severely affects the elderly. We have helped the families with the procedures before the funeral authorities and the transfer of remains to Mexico. We give them the option of cremating so that it is easier to transport them, "said the consul.
He took the opportunity to ask families of Mexican origin living in Los Angeles to remain in their homes during quarantine to avoid being infected, and to comply with prevention rules such as social distancing and hygiene ordered by the Governor of California and the mayor Los Angeles.
"I want to emphasize that the mayor of Los Angeles, Eric Garcetti has become a true leader by giving us the instructions to protect ourselves, and asking us to hold on a little longer when we stay at home, because this is going to happen," he said.
The consul also asked the Mexicans, to comment to their loved ones in Mexico, that what is happening with the COVID-19 is real, and that they take care of themselves.
He mentioned that the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles is dedicated to responding to emergencies. "We do everything we can to assist and protect the neediest and most vulnerable. ”
To the Mexicans who have run out of money because they have lost their jobs due to the pandemic, he affirmed that they have been supported with some amount of money, clothing and food.
Consul Celorio revealed that given the concern about unemployment caused by the pandemic, they are working to create a job bank with the private sector to offer job opportunities to the unemployed. "We are identifying supply and demand, and all the resources that the City of Los Angeles uses to help them," he said.
And he recalled that the Mexican consulates have the task of assisting all Mexicans abroad, and fulfill the long tradition of protecting them.
Call center
The Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles has a call center so that if Mexicans have a medical, immigration or travel emergency, call 213-351-6800, where each case will be valued; and it will be determined if they qualify for a passport, consular registration, or some other type of emergency aid.
“Our operators are available to answer calls Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. at 8 p.m ”.
