Matamoros is the second largest city in the state of Tamaulipas, with a population of over 520,000. While there are no confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the camps, there are some eight confirmed cases in the city. People with mild or moderate cases could be quarantined in their tents and more severe cases sent to local hospitals. But, according to G.R.M., the city’s five public hospitals have 10 ventilators and 40 intensive care unit beds between them. An outbreak would be catastrophic.

Mexico has been slow to react to the coronavirus threat. In mid-March, President Andres Manuel López Obrador told reporters, “I have faith that we’re going to move our dear Mexico forward, that these misfortunes, pandemics will not harm us.” He has defiantly kissed and hugged supporters at recent events. Mexico has reported at least 4,219 cases of Covid-19 and 273 deaths. Medical workers have protested against the lack of protective gear.