Peru: Over 100,000 COVID-19 cases confirmed as of May 21 /update 15

Event

Peruvian health officials have recorded 104,020 confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases and 3024 associated deaths in the country as of Thursday, May 21. Peru has the second-highest number of COVID-19 cases in Latin America, second only to Brazil. Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases in country, the demand and price for medicine have soared over recent days. 

On Friday, May 8, President Martin Vizcarra announced the extension of the state of emergency and nationwide lockdown until Sunday, May 24. This is the fourth extension of the lockdown since it was originally announced on Sunday, March 15. An overnight curfew is in place from 20:00 to 04:00 (local time) in Lima and most of Peru. A separate curfew is in effect in the Tumbes, Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad, and Loreto regions from 16:00 to 04:00. Only one household member is permitted to leave their home for essential goods and services, urgent issues, and business between Monday and Saturday. No one is permitted to leave their homes on Sundays. These measures are expected to remain in place amid the state of emergency extension. All individuals are banned from visiting public places such as parks, beaches, gyms, and bars. Face-to-face classes in schools remain suspended indefinitely and large gatherings remain prohibited. Individuals are also advised to use face masks outdoors.

On Sunday, May 3, the Peruvian government announced a four-phase plan to reopen its economy. Each phase will be rolled out on a monthly basis, with the first phase beginning sometime in May, the second in June, third in July, and the last in August. The mining, construction, commerce, tourism, and services including take-out service at restaurants are set to resume in the first phase.

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 COVID-19 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.