Peru: Health Min rules out third COVID-19 wave at current time

Photo: ANDINA/Ministry of Health of Peru

00:30 | Lima, Jun. 17.

Health Minister Oscar Ugarte has ruled out that Peru is in a third coronavirus wave, saying there is no evidence to affirm that the rebound in cases registered in Arequipa might be due to a new wave.

"We are not in a third wave nor can we affirm that what happens in Arequipa could be the beginning of a third wave. I think there is a wrong impression there, which is not based on evidence," he explained when asked about allegations by the Peruvian College of Physicians (CMP) on the matter.

The high-ranking official revealed that a second case of the Delta variant (Indian variant) has been detected in Arequipa, in a close relative of the first patient.

However, he clarified that the majority of cases in that region and the rest of south are not due to the Delta variant but to the C.37 —the most prevalent in the country.

According to research conducted by the National Health Institute (INS), 90.6% of COVID-19 cases in Arequipa are due to the C.37 variant, while 6.25% were caused by the Brazilian variant, the minister said.

In fact, the C.37 variant is responsible for 78.1% of cases in Cusco; it also caused 76% of cases in Moquegua, and 72% in Tacna.

"It is clear that the rebound in Arequipa is not caused by the Delta variant but by the C.37 variant," the minister pointed out, recalling that the central government had deployed a commission of experts, doctors, and nurses, as well as equipment to the White City to contain the increase in cases.

In addition, Ugarte said he does not rule out the risk of a third wave since other countries have faced it. Therefore, efforts are being undertaken on different fronts, such as raising awareness about the care to avoid disease and continue with the vaccination process.

(END) RRC/MVB

Published: 6/17/2021

Peru: Health Min rules out third COVID-19 wave at current time

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