While the coronavirus pandemic prompted Central American countries to shut their borders, large numbers of people from the region still yearn to migrate north. Their numbers are down in recent months, the path more difficult than ever... And many find themselves stuck for an indefinite time in Mexico. 

"People want a better life, but they don't want to arrive here just to catch the virus and then be sent home, to arrive and infect their own families. But when it comes to the virus, those who still want to migrate can do so; it's up to each individual," said Jose Marquina, a Salvadoran Migrant. 

Gang violence and lack of economic opportunities still prompt people to flee, and at Mexico's border with Guatemala, they are finding a country less sympathetic than ever to their plight.

“If it was difficult for a migrant to have access to public healthcare beforehand, which is a right afforded by Mexico, now it's completely impossible. Right now, they aren't even allowed past the medical institution's front door. Many people are dying, and we don't know about it," said Yamel Athie, a Migration Activist.

Alasdair Baverstock has more on the pandemic's impact on migration.