Mexico expects over 10,500 ICU patients during the coronavirus epidemic

calculates that during the COVID-19 epidemic , there could be up to 10,528 critically-ill patients who would need intensive care if the country reaches the third phase of the crisis.

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In a news conference, Ruy López Rosaurea , general director of the National Center for Preventive Programs and Disease Control (CENAPRECE), presented the calculation made by the organism to determine an investment of MXN $3.5 billion to purchase medication, supplies, and medical equipment.

“We are basing on the attack rate observed in Hubei , China , which was 0.2% of the general population. Hence, if our population is of 120 million people, 250,000 would have the disease and 175,459 would need medical care.”

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Out of the latter, 80 %, that is, 140,367 would need ambulatory care , 14% (24,564) would need hospitalization with a stable condition , and 6% (10,528) would have serious conditions that would need intensive care .

“All calculations were made per patient and thus the supplies were defined, and they were made thinking on a third phase scenario , if there were national transmission, considered an epidemic ,” he said.

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