Employers in pandemic-hit Mexico will be required to pay for homeworkers' internet and electricity expenses under a labor law reform approved by Congress. So-called "telecommuters" must also be provided with necessary equipment such as computers and ergonomic chairs under the new rules passed by lawmakers late Wednesday. Mexico has officially recorded nearly 112,000 deaths from the coronavirus, one of the world's highest tolls. The country of more than 128 million people has registered 1.2 million Covid-19 cases and many companies and organizations have closed their offices and asked staff to work from home. Under the new regulations, employers will have to pay the costs generated from remote working, "including, where appropriate, the payment of telecommunication services and a proportion of electricity." The Senate passed the reform by 91 votes out of 128, following earlier approval by the lower house of Congress. jla/dr/ft