Juarez has 9 new deaths; top health leader urges ‘it is in our hands’ to stop virus

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico -- Chihuahua state health officials reported nine new deaths and 73 additional cases in the city of Juarez on Thursday as the cornavirus pandemic continues to peak there.

The numbers brought a dire warning from Mexico's northern zone medical director, who predicted even more deaths would occur if residents don't heed calls to stay home and practice social distancing if they do need to go out in public.

"It is in our hands that an un-quantifiable number of people do not die, do not saturate hospitals," said Arturo Valenzuela Zorrilla. "Maintain hygiene and healthy distance measures to stop the spread of contagion."

There have now been 247 virus deaths in Juarez, accounting for most of the 305 deaths in Chihuahua state as of Thursday.

Juarez to date has 1,087 confirmed virus cases, which also is the bulk of the 1,757 infections across the state.

Officials said they are hoping, with public cooperation, to see a decline come next week in the rate of new cases being reported.