Peru: State of Emergency and curfew extended to April 12 /update 6

Event

President Vizcarra announced the extension of a State of Emergency (SoE) and overnight curfew on Thursday, March 26, in continued efforts to control the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the country. Both policies will remain in place until at least Sunday, April 12.

The nationwide overnight curfew requires individuals to remain in their homes from 20:00 to 05:00 (local time) each night. The SoE was initially declared on Sunday, March 15, for an initial period of 15 days. The president previously announced that all private and public sector operations are suspended during the SoE, and all individuals nationwide are required to self-isolate for 15 days. He similarly advised all individuals against visiting public places such as beaches, parks, squares, gyms, or bars. Authorities previously announced a ban on public gatherings of greater than 300 people. All public and private schools nationwide remain closed through April 12 as well.

To date, there are 580 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Peru, including nine deaths. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the coming days and weeks.

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.