12:30 | Iquitos (Loreto region), Jul. 6.
The Regional Emergency Operations Center (COER) in Iquitos on Tuesday morning announced an emergency meeting due to a sudden increase in COVID-19 cases and the probable presence of the Delta variant
in the region of Loreto.
The alert was issued by the regional director of the
Regional Health Directorate (Diresa) in Loreto, Carlos Calampa, who expressed concern not only about a rebound in COVID-19 cases —as the number of patients doubled from three weeks ago— but also about the behavior of inhabitants who do not comply with preventive measures.
"Unfortunately, many parties, barbecues, and gatherings are held. Besides, there is practically a complete overflow despite authorities' several calls and pleas for the population to avoid contagion," he said in remarks to State-run channel TV Peru.
Calampa reported that regional and local authorities, the Armed Forces, the
Peruvian National Police (PNP), and the
Public Ministry have been called to an emergency meeting to take stricter measures and correct the current situation.
According to the regional authority, there are 37
patients in ICU beds and the death toll rose to 1,088. In addition, the region reports COVID-19 cases among health care workers, which are not severe but cause concern.
Calampa explained that this situation suggests that a third wave of the pandemic is just beginning, as well as a probable presence of the Delta variant, which is why genomic surveillance is being conducted.
"The results of the analyzes take 10 days to come out, and we are waiting as we prepare for a third wave with emergency care beds, oxygen, and ventilators, but we need more personnel for the latter," he explained.
The Diresa-Loreto's health director remarked that authorities are taking the necessary action, but the population shall understand and comply with the preventive measures.
(END) JCB/MAO/RMB/MVB
Published: 7/6/2021