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López Obrador said at his morning news conference that he would attend a Saturday celebration for the birthday of revered former President Benito Juárez.
But he urged people from outside the small Oaxaca state town of Guelatao, where Juárez was born, to stay away, saying he didn't want to open himself to criticism "that the president is not setting an example."
Mexico had 93 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus as of the most recent report, Tuesday evening, with 11 patients hospitalized, but no deaths. The virus causes only mild to moderate symptoms, such as fever or cough, for most people. It can cause more severe illness, such as pneumonia, for some, especially older people and those with existing health problems,
Bracing for the virus to hit Mexico harder, authorities have been urging people to avoid large gatherings, to stop greeting each other with handshakes, hugs and kisses and to maintain a "healthy distance" from each other.
Until now, however, López Obrador has continued to hug, kiss, shake hands and pose for selfies amid packed crowds.