Peru: COVID-19 cases surpass 300,000 July 6 /update 20

Event

Health authorities in Peru confirmed a total of 302,718 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases and 10,589 associated fatalities as of Monday morning (local time), July 6. Peru has the fifth-highest number of cases in the world and is currently reopening its economy. Health experts have expressed concerns over the increasing number of cases as lockdown restrictions are being gradually lifted; however, July's daily number of cases thus far generally remains lower than in May and June.

Peruvian authorities announced on that most lockdown restrictions would be lifted as of Wednesday, July 1, in most parts of the country, including Lima. The announcement came despite the extension of the nationwide state of emergency until at least July 31. From Wednesday, supermarkets and banks were allowed to reopen at a 50 percent capacity, enforcing a 1m (3.2ft) social distancing rule and the mandatory use of face masks. A nighttime curfew is in effect between 22:00 and 04:00 (local time) and all-day Sunday curfews have been lifted.

The abovementioned relaxation to lockdown rules did not apply to seven regions with higher infection rates, including Arequipa, Ica, Junín, Huánuco, San Martín, Madre de Dios, and Áncash. In these regions, the curfew is in effect as of 20:00 until 04:00 and all-day Sunday curfews continue.

Further international 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.