Peru: Over 15,000 COVID-19 cases confirmed as of April 20 /update 11

Event

The Peruvian government has confirmed 15,628 coronavirus (COVID-19) cases nationwide as of Monday, April 20, with 400 associated fatalities. A state of emergency earlier ordered on Sunday, March 15, has been extended until Sunday, April 26. All individuals are banned from visiting public places such as parks, beaches, gyms, and bars. Additionally, President Martin Vizcarra announced an indefinite suspension of face-to-face classes in schools on Saturday, April 18, as a precautionary measure. Large gatherings also remain prohibited.

Amendments to gender-based movement restrictions are in effect as of Monday, April 13. Previous movement measures allowed women to only leave their homes on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with men only permitted to leave on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. As of Monday, April 13, the restrictions will allow only one household member to leave their home for urgent issues and business between Monday and Saturday. No one is permitted to leave their homes on Sundays. These restrictions are due to expire on Sunday, April 26.

Further international spread of COVID-19 is to be expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.