Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra reported on the new measures implemented under the state of emergency imposed to face the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Below is a brief outlook of the actions announced on day 13 of the quarantine.
1. An updated report of infected people: 10,896 samples were processed,
671 of which tested positive and 10,225 negative. The number of infected people rose to just over 6% of the total. 84 of the confirmed cases involved hospitalized patients, 33 of which are in the Intensive Care Unit and 30 receive mechanical ventilation. On the other hand, 31 patients are showing improvement.
2. An updated report of those detained for not respecting the state of emergency: 2,646 people were arrested nationwide in the last day —the highest number reported so far. 934 were arrested in La Libertad, 664 in Lima and 345 in Piura.
3. The Head of State asked Defense and Interior Ministries for a report on the level of compliance in each region of the country. On the basis of this information, they will evaluate —over this weekend— whether to impose more restrictive measures. He affirmed the Government will not hesitate to take the corresponding measures.
4. President Vizcarra announced that the bonus for vulnerable families will be increased to S/760 (about US$214) during the period of national emergency declared due to COVID-19.
The initial bonus was S/380 (about US$107)
5. He highlighted the publication —in El Peruano official gazette— of the supreme decree approving the establishment of a Computer Registry of those who do not comply with social and mandatory isolation measures, which will help identify offenders by name or ID number. Said list will be sent to the Prosecutor's Office.
7. In the same way, the transfer of S/213 million (US$62.22 million) to municipal governments was officially authorized so that they can deliver foodstuffs of the basic consumption basket to inhabitants within their jurisdictions. The sum of money will be proportional to the size and needs of each vulnerable population.
8. Likewise, he highlighted the decree formalizing the withdrawal of up to S/2,400 (about US$701) from the Service Time Compensation (CTS).
10. The President of the Council of Ministers, Vicente Zeballos, reported that 1,075 Peruvian citizens, who returned after the border closure, are in quarantine at 10 hotels as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
(END) SRE/RMCH/RMB
Published: 3/29/2020