Matamoros 2

Tents crowded together in Matamoros camp.

For more than a year, families have lived in these tents. In crowded conditions like this, measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19—such as maintaining social distancing—are impossible to implement.

Mexico 2020 © MSF/Arlette Blanco

Tents protected against strong winds and rain and heat

Throughout the camp, families have improvised ways to protect their tents. They use materials, such as plastic bags or old blankets, to protect themselves from strong winds, rain, and intense sunlight.

Mexico 2020 © MSF/Arlette Blanco

An asylum seeker washes his clothes at one of the water points in the camp

An asylum seeker washes his clothes at one of the water points in the camp. These points are refilled up to four times a day, especially when the temperature rises above 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mexico 2020 © MSF/Arlette Blanco

Asylum seekers collect cleaning products, such as bleach, disinfectant, and detergent, once a week to clean the areas where they live and try to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Asylum seekers collect cleaning products, such as bleach, disinfectant, and detergent, once a week to clean the areas where they live and try to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Mexico 2020 © MSF/Arlette Blanco

Children chop firewood

Because of the pandemic, there are no activities to entertain children. There are no schools either. Children help their families by collecting firewood, which is distributed daily, and chop it before mealtimes.

Mexico 2020 © MSF/Arlette Blanco