Peru: Over 230,000 COVID-19 cases confirmed as of June 16 /update 18

Event

The Peruvian Ministry of Health reported on Tuesday, June 16, that 232,992 coronavirus disease (COVID-19)cases have been confirmed in-country, including 6860 associated deaths.

On June 4, the Peruvian government announced the extension of the country's state of emergency until September 7, to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Despite the extension of the state of emergency, authorities have announced that Peru has entered the second phase of the Economic Reactivation Plan, with certain sectors permitted to reopen from June 5. Mining and certain manufacturing industries, car sales, accounting, engineering, and postal services have been permitted to resume activities.

Further measures governing economic activity are expected to be eased by the end of June, and inter-provincial transport and flights are expected to recommence.

Further spread of the virus is expected in 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 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.