Mexico’s Federal Electricity Commission, the CFE, reported that 242 of its workers had died of COVID-19 as of Feb. 8.
The power utility also stated that it had confirmed 1,099 cases of the virus within its ranks.
Of the currently infected workers 22 remain hospitalized, 12 of which are in stable condition and 10 are receiving intensive care.
The press statement released to the public also confirmed that 16,323 of CFE staff are working from home, until it is safe for them to return to their physical workplaces.
Mexico’s state oil company, PEMEX, has also released official data in which it confirms the deaths of 473 current workers.
“Our workers are our most valuable asset, our prevention strategies have worked to limit the spread of COVID-19 within PEMEX,” said a spokesperson for the company.
Given their status as energy monopolies, the CFE and PEMEX employees are considered to be essential to the functioning of the Mexican state and the maintenance of national security.
Despite statements of unwavering support from President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the CFE and PEMEX have reportedly lost the trust of investors and the Mexican public at large, for their alleged corrupt practices and general mismanagement.
Former PEMEX Director Emilio Lozoya was detained in Spain last year under accusations he embezzled millions of dollars. The scandal is connected to what the BBC called the biggest corruption case in Mexican history.
