Peru: Gender-based movement restrictions to come into effect April 3 /update 7

Event

President Martin Vizcarra announced that men and women will only be allowed to leave their homes on designated days from Thursday, April 3, as part of restrictions to control the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). On top of existing quarantine measures and curfews, only men will be able to leave their homes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays only women will be allowed to go out. On Sundays no one will be allowed to leave their homes.

Since Tuesday, March 31, a nationwide curfew between 18:00 and 05:00 (local time) has been in effect, with curfew hours starting earlier in some towns. The government has also announced that all individuals should wear facemasks when going outside.

On March 15, a national State of Emergency (SoE) was announced for 15 days and has been extended until Sunday, April 12. All private and public sector operations are suspended during the SoE, and it is prohibited to visit 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 1414 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Peru, with 55 associated 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.