Outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Mexico City
REUTERS/Gustavo Graf

The Mexican state of Sonora recently installed 'sanitizing tunnels' along the border in an effort to reduce chances of bringing the coronavirus pandemic over from Arizona.

Local government officials in the city of Nogales began using a sanitation spray to sanitize foreigners to disinfect people coming in from the U.S.

On the Mexican side of the border, drivers are required to exit their vehicles and step into a tunnel made of inflatable material where they are sprayed with a cleaning solution. The individuals are asked to rotate under the mist, stretch their arms, and lean over.

The Nogales government claims the cleaning spray is biodegradable and protects from the novel coronavirus for up to a day. The tunnels also reduce the chances of spreading the disease within the nation.

The decision to install the tunnels came after health officials in Nogales reported the majority of the citizens who were infected with the respiratory illness had recently returned from the United States.

Local officials plan to install five sanitizing tunnels at the main ports of entry from Nogales and Arizona. The city's hospitals will also receive a sanitizing tunnel where visitors would be required to step into the disinfectant mist.

Arizona has more than 11,000 coronavirus cases and over 500 fatalities. Authorities in Sonora recorded 400 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 32 in the city of Nogales.

Medical experts, however, warn the truly tally of the virus might be several times higher than what is reported by the federal government. Many patients with coronavirus-like symptoms died before receiving COVID-19 tests.

Mexico recently saw a spike in infections with over 3,500 new cases recorded over the weekend. On Sunday alone, the health ministry reported 1,562 new coronavirus cases and more than 110 additional fatalities.

Government models project the pandemic is set to peak over the weekend. Mexico's health minister, Dr. Hugo Lopez-Gatell, urged residents to seek medical attention if they are aged 60 and above or have pre-existing medical conditions.

Giumarra Companies

Videxport, a private company in Sonora, has also revealed new disinfecting tunnels to help ensure the safety of the workers and the continuation of production amid the COVID-19 crisis.

The Mexican grower is known for shipping fresh fruits to the U.S. and Canada. Their products include watermelons, grapes, and bell peppers. They installed four tunnels and imposed new enhancements to its existing workers' safety guidelines.

The grower installed 10-foot-long tunnels that douse employees with a disinfecting solution. It safely sanitized workers and keeps them safe from viruses and bacteria. Each tunnel can accommodate up to twenty people every minute.

In addition to the sanitizing tunnels, Videxport also hired a second full-time medical professional, as well as additional nurses, in a move to expand its medical capabilities and serve more workers.

They purchased two new mobile clinics for the use of their on-site employees. The clinics will help supplement Videxport's on-site healthcare center. The Mexican grower implemented social distancing measures and worker health monitoring in its fields and packhouses. They also educated the staff on COVID-19 symptoms and prevention.

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