Around half a dozen protesters blocked the Mexico-bound lanes of a border crossing over fears those coming from the US could spread the coronavirus, several news agencies reported.

The group, called Sonorans for Health and Life, is demanding medical exams for those going into Mexico from the US.

They're critical of the Mexican government's response to the pandemic.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Mexican protesters blocked Mexico-bound lanes on one part of the border to stop United States travelers from entering their country and potentially spreading the new coronavirus, several news agencies reported.

Members of a group Sonorans for Health and Life, blocked a checkpoint in Sonora, south of Arizona on Wednesday, according to the BBC. The group wants people who cross into Mexico from the US to undergo medical screenings, the BBC added.

"There are no health screenings by the federal government to deal with this pandemic. That's why we're here in Nogales. We've taken this action to call on the Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to act now," Jose Luis Hernandez, a member of the group told the Arizona Republic.

According to the Associated Press, about six protesters parked two cars across Mexico-bound lanes before getting out and chanting "We demand control of the border."

The Arizona Republic added that the group wore masks and held signs that read "stay at home."

The US has the highest number of coronavirus cases with close to 86,000 known infections. Mexico has reported 475 COVID-19 cases.

While the US restricted non-essential travel at its borders with Mexico more than a week ago, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has moved slowly to enact protective measures and downplayed the threat of the virus, the AP reported.

The protesters want a "crossing ban on all US or Mexican citizens for tourism or medical reasons, including those who cross the border every day to attend school or work in the US," according to the BBC. They also want people deported from the US to Mexico to have medical exams.

"This is for your health. This is for your family. Or what do you want to happen? That this becomes worse given the irresponsibility of the Mexican government? Of course not. That's why were here," Hernandez told the Arizona Republic.